This report was prepared for the Australian Women’s Coalition
by Anna Howe, PhD, Consultant Gerontologist
Submitted to the Office of Women
Commonwealth Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and
Indigenous Affairs
November 2008
Australian Women’s Coalition www.awcaus.org.au
ABN 62685 595 Inc AO4024
Preparing for Ageing Project
Final Report on
Preparing for Healthy Ageing
Preparing for Ageing Project Report - October 2008 2
Contents
Acknowledgements ................................................................................................................. 3
Executive Summary ................................................................................................................ 4
1. The Preparing for Ageing Project ................................................................................. 16 1.1 Context and Scope of the Healthy Ageing segment of the Project......................... 16
1.2 The Preparing for Healthy Ageing Survey and the respondents............................. 20
2. Identifying priorities for women’s health and preparing for ageing ......................... 27 2.1 The new national women’s health policy framework............................................. 27
3. Key transitions in preparing for ageing........................................................................ 31 3.1 When do women become aware that they need to prepare for ageing?.................. 31
3.2 Transitions and preparing for ageing across the life course ................................... 32
3.3 Awareness and action for preparing for healthy ageing at different transitions ..... 48
4. Laying the foundations for healthy ageing ................................................................... 53 4.1 Diet, weight and exercise........................................................................................ 53
4.2 Home environments ................................................................................................ 56
4.3 Work environments................................................................................................. 59
5. Building on the Foundations: Developing the infrastructure for preparing for
ageing ............................................................................................................................... 64 5.1 The central role of General Practitioners ................................................................ 64
5.2 Information and more information.......................................................................... 66
5.3 Current initiatives for healthy ageing ..................................................................... 67
5.4 Socially inclusive communities .............................................................................. 72
6. Proposals for preparing for ageing ............................................................................... 74 6.1 Towards a program for preparing for healthy ageing .............................................. 74
6.2 Roles for the Australian Women’s Coalition.......................................................... 83
List of research studies ......................................................................................................... 86
Preparing for Ageing Project Report - October 2008 3
Acknowledgements
This project was carried out by the Australian Women’s Coalition, with funding from the
Australian Government Office for Women.
The project was guided of a Committee lead by AWC President Robyn Gaspari. Gabrielle
Casper, Eliana Cristi, Robyn Gaspari, Sheila Rimmer, and Sharyl Scott worked with Robyn
from the earliest stage of developing the project to reviewing the final draft.
AWC engaged Anna Howe PhD, a consultant gerontologist, to conduct the survey and
prepare this report. She has worked closely with the Committee and acknowledges her
appreciation of the support and interest of the AWC President, the Committee, AWC
member organizations and especially their individual members and others who completed the
survey. The project would not have been possible without them, and their interest in
learning the outcomes of the project provides a strong indication that AWC’s will take up
the proposals put forward in discussions with the Office for Women.
Preparing for Ageing Project Report - October 2008 4
Executive Summary
1. The Preparing for Ageing Project
This report brings together the two parts of the Preparing for Ageing Project carried out by
the Australian Women’s Coalition through 2008. It begins by outlining the context and
scope of the Healthy Ageing segment of the Project with reference to AWC’s previous work
on social inclusion, and the current policy context and opportunities for input to
Commonwealth policies and programs. Themes of healthy ageing are then reviewed, and
five sets of questions to be addressed in the current project are identified as:
1. What were the priorities for women’s health and preparing for ageing in the framework
for a new women’s health strategy proposed by the Australian Women’s Health
Network?
2. Why do women need to prepare for ageing, and what preparations need to be made at
different transitions that occur across the life course?
3. How can the foundations of healthy ageing be established, and what barriers do women
face to adopting a healthy diet, weight and exercise?
4. What initiatives are needed to build on existing healthy ageing initiatives, including
preparing for ageing in work, home and community settings?
5. What should be included in any preparing for ageing program and what roles should
AWC take in advancing such measures?
The project consultation and survey methods are also detailed in Part 1 of the report. The
main part of the project was a survey conducted through 14 AWC member organizations, to
which 303 individuals responded. The main characteristic of the respondents is their
diversity, and the range of respondents’ ages and workforce participation means they saw
preparing for ageing from different perspectives at different stages of the life course. Four
groups of respondents were defined as: the younger group were aged under 50 and in the
paid workforce; the older group were aged 70 and over and retired; the working transition
group were aged over 50 and working; and the retired transition group were aged between
50 and 70 and retired. These four groups provide a useful framework for making a
systematic analysis of the survey data and reporting the findings in a way that encompasses
the diversity of women’s experiences of ageing and views on preparing for ageing from
women in different generations.
The survey came within the category of negligible risk research as defined by the NHMRC.
To take account of risks and benefits to research participants, two questions at the end of the
survey found that 70% of respondents considered they were preparing for ageing well or very
well, and 60% felt that participation in the survey had prompted them to think more about
preparing for ageing.
2. Priorities for women’s health and preparing for ageing
Part 2 of the report presents an assessment of the priorities for women’s health identified
within the framework for a new national women’s health policy proposed by the Australian
Women’s Health Network. The priorities identified for preparing for healthy ageing can be
readily advanced in the framework presented by the proposed new national women’s health
Preparing for Ageing Project Report - October 2008 5
policy. Three health priorities, arthritis and musculo-skeletal problems, cardiovascular
disease and cancer, and the action areas of access to publicly funded health services and
economic health and well-being were identified as high priorities by all respondent groups.
These findings point to the need to address these issues as central to achieving and
maintaining health now, for women at whatever age they are, with the benefits of health now
leading to healthy ageing over the longer term, and to sustaining initiatives in these area as
women age. The other priority areas – diabetes, mental health, injury and asthma – and the
action areas of mental health and well being, prevention of violence against women and
women’s sexual and reproductive health were accorded more differential priorities by the
four respondent groups, pointing to the need to vary strategies to address these issues in
different ways at different stages of preparing for ageing.
3. Key transitions in preparing for ageing
Part 3 of the report covers five key transitions in preparing for ageing over the decades from
40 to 80: reaching middle age, menopause, retirement, widowhood and coming to need care.
The four groups of respondents brought different perspectives to their views of these
transitions, and four areas emerged in which adjustments occurred across all transitions:
attitudes to and awareness of ageing at each transition, health concerns, changing family
relationships and social networks, and financial security. The nature of the adjustments
made and attention to preparing for ageing differed at each transition, and increased
awareness and action at particular points give some clues for the timing and nature of
possible initiatives for promoting health ageing.
Awareness of and actions taken for preparing for ageing at different transitions suggests that
respondents held two different views of preparing for ageing. In one view, ageing was an on-
going process rather than something that lay in the future, and in the other, ageing was a
future state of being aged.
While there was an awareness that actions taken at different transitions had implications for
health and well-being in later life, these actions were rarely seen in terms of preparing for
ageing and preparing for ageing was very rarely identified as a primary motivation for taking
action at any ages. These findings suggest that messages urging health action to prepare for
healthy ageing have little resonance and that the emphasis needs to shift to ‘health now and
for the future’.
Financial security was the main area in which preparation could be made well in advance for
the future state of being aged. The need for early action to realise financial security over the
long term was widely recognised, but it was equally evident that many other factors affected
capacity give effect to this realisation, and the risks of financial insecurity came into much
clearer focus as retirement approached.
Family relationships and wider social networks influenced many aspects of ageing as a
process, with different life courses set early on for those who were single and childless, those
who were married but without children, and those who had children. Preparing for ageing
and especially for possible future needs for care meant involving family informally in
discussions and making them aware of wishes and preferences, and formally by way of
attending to wills, Advance Care Directives and other legal matters.
The varying attention given to attitudes, health, family and social networks, and financial
security at different transitions demonstrates the changing balance of concerns over the life
Preparing for Ageing Project Report - October 2008 6
course. The responses reported above show the multiplicity of factors that interact to
produce great diversity at each transition, but the predominant shifts in concerns can
nonetheless be summarised in Box 1. This matrix enables identification of a number of
critical points at which awareness of the need to prepare for ageing was heightened and at
which action was more likely to be taken. While these points were triggered by signals of
ageing in one area, there was often a flow over effect that prompted respondents to reflect on
and review action in other areas of their lives.
• Around age 40, rejoining the workforce when children started school was the first point
at which many younger women became aware of saving for retirement. Younger women
appeared to be more aware of saving for retirement than those in the 50s, suggesting that
compulsory superannuation may have come to be taken for granted. The regular contact
between funds and contributors over a long period however makes superannuation a
vehicle through which other aspects of preparing for ageing could be promoted at
appropriate times, and especially for those who had interrupted employment.
• Around age 50, menopause was widely recognized as the first signal of ageing, and it was
described as a powerful signal, a point at which “reality strikes”. Considerable attention
was given to physical and mental health at this time, but other aspects of preparing for
ageing, particular financial preparation, appeared to receive less notice.
• Around age 60, even though retirement experiences were diverse, it was the transition
that was most widely planned for, almost always through informal rather than formal
planning. There was widespread recognition of the need to maintain health to enjoy
retirement, that adjustments in relationships were likely and that financial security was
essential. While attitudes to retirement were positive overall, risks in any of these areas
could jeopardize well-being in both the short and long term.
• Around age 70, widowhood or the death of other close associates was associated with
reflection and life review, and presented an opportunity for taking stock for the future
• It was only around 80 that care needs were mentioned, and attitudes to accepting care
took precedent over other preparations.
Finally, two further factors emerged as affecting preparing for ageing across all transitions
and these factors contribute to both the variability of women’s experience of life course
transitions and their capacity to prepare for ageing. First, unexpected events that disrupted
individual women’s expectations and broadly normative transitions had major and long
lasting impacts over the rest of the life course. Second, it is very evident that awareness of
and attitudes to ageing have a pervading effect on the need to and likelihood of taking action
to prepare for ageing at different transitions. It is however far too facile to say that there is
then a need to increase awareness and change attitudes to preparing for ageing. Given the
many other concerns on women’s minds through different transitions, it is apparent that
many such messages are not salient and are unlikely to lead to action. Instead, attention
might better be directed to the points at which awareness of ageing is heightened by one or
other factor and prompting review and responses across a wider range of areas to fill what
appear to be some conspicuous gaps in preparing for ageing. Rather than leaving action to
individuals, there is also a case for social action to create an environment that supports
preparing for ageing and reduces the risks of marginalisation and social exclusion in
retirement and beyond.
Preparing for Ageing Project Report - October 2008 7
Box 1: Transitions, changing concerns and awareness of preparing for ageing
Transition Attitudes Health Families and social networks
Financial security
Around 40
Reaching middle age
Ageing not on your mind at 40 – too busy with other things
Want to be healthy at 40, but competing demands on time leave little time for exercise
Very diverse family circumstances – facing childlessness, having first child, having last child, establishing a new second family. Stresses of work-life balance a major concern.
Aware of need to save for retirement, but a number of barriers. Awareness of setting up super heightened if returning to work after having children.
Around 50 Menopause
“Reality strikes”
Menopause prompts a review of health on a much wider front. Recognition of inter-relationships of physical and mental health.
Empty nesters. Many involved in caring for grandchildren so their mothers especially can work; need to recognise grandparents’ roles as part of working families.
Little attention to preparing for financial security across this decade.
Around 60
Retirement
Positive attitudes to retirement as a new phase of life, Major upsets to retirement plans may be hard to overcome in short or long term.
Action taken on exercise, diet, health checks etc., for good health in immediate future, not for future ageing. Major health events for self or partner that lead to retirement ahead of plan are one cause of disruption.
Empty nesters, with care roles much more likely to be for grandchildren than children still at home, and some caring for ageing parents.
Approaching retirement focuses attention on incomes in retirement, adjusting to lower incomes and realisation of risks associated with lower incomes.
Around 70 Widowhood
Time for life review and reflection, coming to terms with widowhood and other losses.
More attention to mental health emerges.
Family support very important in coping with losses. Those without family may need more support.
Have to take on more financial responsibility for which many in the current generation may not be well prepared.
Around 80 Needing
care
Accepting care from others seen as part of maintaining independence.
Aware of risks of a wide range of major health problems. Need for care only recognised at this transition
Involving family in preparing ahead for care arrangements and making wishes known.
Need for financial security does not diminish. Some concerns about cost of care and choice if without income.
Preparing for Ageing Project Report - October 2008 8
4. Laying the foundations for healthy ageing
Part 4 addresses the foundations for healthy ageing in terms of risk factors associated with
diet, weight and exercise, and aspects of home and work environments that had a bearing on
preparing for ageing.
Diet, weight and exercise
Investigation of the barriers that women experienced in adopting a healthy diet, maintaining
healthy weight, taking adequate exercise and meeting associated costs found that knowledge
and information presented few barriers, that behavioural and motivations factors presented
mostly minor barriers and the major barriers were associated with structural factors of costs
and time limits. It is evident that while knowing what to do is a prerequisite for preparing
for healthy ageing, many other barriers prevent women acting on the knowledge they have.
Home environments and housing adjustments
The findings on housing suitability and intentions suggest that while there is a high level of
satisfaction with present housing, there is considerable potential for housing change as part of
preparing for ageing. Differences between the four respondent groups in part reflect the
extent of housing adjustments already made, and realising the potential that is evident for
further adjustments will depend on the options available and overcoming a number of
barriers to finding suitable home environments. Taken together, the findings on home
environments and propensity to change housing as part of preparing for ageing suggest that
many women do not expect to remain in the same house as they age and that there is rather
considerable potential for moving and recreating their ‘own home’ in new environments.
Work environments
Work environments are set to become an increasing part of the foundation for healthy ageing
as more women come to participate in the paid workforce until their 60s. This changing
role is indicated by the diversity in actual and anticipated retirement ages between the four
groups, and by the actual and expected impacts of health on retirement decisions.
The diversity of findings on how work environments affect preparing for ageing reflect
changing patterns of workforce participation of different generations of women, changes in
other factors affecting retirement decisions, such as the increase to age 65 for eligibility for
the Age Pension for women, and changes in work environments, especially in occupational
health and safety standards. Some of these factors are more readily anticipated than others,
but as more women in coming cohorts of women will have had longer periods of
employment in the paid workforce, the importance of work environments in shaping
retirement transitions in preparing for ageing is set to increase.
The substantial proportions of respondents who indicated that poor health was, or was likely
to be a minor or major factor in their decision to retire has considerable implications for
preparing for ageing. Many occupational health and safety measures focus on prevention of
catastrophic injury and immediate consequences for continued workforce participation, but
these findings indicate that for women, more attention needs to be given to chronic injury and
to long term effects that many not be felt until after retirement. Women who have to retire
because of poor health, or who experience work related health problems early in their
retirement are disadvantaged compared to those who make the transition to retirement in
Preparing for Ageing Project Report - October 2008 9
good health. Minimising negative health impacts of work will become an increasingly
important part of preparing for ageing as more women come to have longer exposures to
occupational health risks before they retire, and some of these impacts may not be felt until
after retirement.
Respondents reported a range of ways in which the negative impacts of work environments
had been or could be addressed. The solution that was most frequently taken by respondents
in both the working and retired transition groups was to change to part time work. Making
this change however required an employer who accepted flexible work arrangements. Part
time work achieved a much better work-life balance, and some respondents who continued in
full time work saw it as a good way of making the transition to retirement in future, but the
financial impact of reducing work hours ruled it out for some.
5. Building on the foundations: developing the infrastructure of preparing for ageing
Part 5 of the report turns to ways of building the infrastructure for preparing for ageing by
examining the central role of General Practitioners, the sources of information on healthy
ageing that women are likely to call on, knowledge and take-up of current initiatives for
healthy ageing and the extent to which local communities are socially inclusive.
The central role of general practitioners
The frequency with which most women see their General Practitioner means that GPs are
the front line for providing advice on healthy ageing and related health care services. The
importance of GP roles is borne out by the high proportions of respondents who report that
they are very satisfied or satisfied with the way their GPs manage different aspects of their
care. Within this overall high level of satisfaction, there were some variations between the
groups and for different aspects of GP care, but very few were dissatisfied with their GP in
all areas of care.
Finding information on healthy ageing is widely seen to be a problem, yet the survey findings
reported so far suggest that lack of information may be less of a barrier than is seen to be the
case. Some sources of information, notably general practitioners, other health professionals
and support organizations for different health problems are much preferred over others by all
groups. Women’s health services, alternative therapy practitioners and local community
health services were the next most used sources of information. The internet was more
likely to be used by younger respondents, and self help groups appear to be used selectively
for different problems. Popular magazines were eschewed by all.
Current initiatives for healthy ageing
While the preceding findings confirm that GPs play a central role in enabling women to
prepare for healthy ageing, it has to be recognised that GPs cannot “do it all” and that a
range of other services are involved. Initiatives have been taken over recent years to
promote healthy ageing thus include some delivered through general practice, some delivered
through screening services, some generic and some specific to women’s health, and some
delivered through community based programs. Take-up and knowledge of these initiatives
was high, with variations in both use and knowledge systematically related to the eligibility
Preparing for Ageing Project Report - October 2008 10
criteria applied, the likelihood that different respondents groups have experienced different
health concerns, and free or low cost access.
Take-up of free flu immunisation and annual health assessments is very high among those
who are age-eligible, and knowledge of these programs is high among others. Screening
programs are delivered both through General Practitioners and organised screening
programs. In both cases, access is mostly at low or no cost, particularly for older women,
and take-up and knowledge of screening programs for cancers and diabetes is again high,
with systematic gradients related to age.
Take-up and knowledge of community programs relevant to healthy ageing was more varied
and reflected the likelihood of women experiencing different health concerns. Take-up was
highest for Medicare funded eye examinations across all respondent groups. The more
marked variations found programs providing assessment of falls and balance, medication
reviews by pharmacists and continence assessment suggest that use of services is strongly
conditioned by emerging health concerns. As lower use was balanced by higher knowledge,
it can be expected that take-up would increase over time as individuals as different health
problems emerged.
Knowledge and use of programs for managing depression was markedly different to the other
services, but broadly consistent with the prevalence of depression in the community. Use of
services providing support for depression was highest among the younger group; while use of
these services was lowest among the retired transition group, knowledge was highest in this
group.
Only a small number of respondents reported on their experience of self management, and
diabetes was the condition most frequently mentioned. Two factors that contributed to the
success of self management were “having the right attitude” by way of taking responsibility
for one’s health, and having back-up from a range of health professionals.
While a lack of access to needed services cannot be ruled out on the part of all respondents,
the findings on knowledge and use of current healthy ageing initiatives indicate that pre-
requisite knowledge is widespread and likely to lead to access to care as need arises. The
only critical concern to be identified is a gap in knowledge of continence assistance on the
part of the retired transition group, given the increasing prevalence of continence problems
among this age group. The findings do not provide any evidence of a need for large scale,
blanket information campaigns. Instead, a strategy that took use of any one healthy ageing
service as a starting point to link to other services could provide a better way of increasing
take-up.
Socially inclusive communities
The social inclusion segment of the Preparing for Ageing Project identified the importance of
continued participation in social groups, outside as well as within the family, and safe
environments for healthy ageing. Social inclusion also depended on being able to connect
with others, having access to services, having opportunities to be heard and being treated
with respect. Taken together, these attributes describe life in a community that is inclusive,
not only of women as they age, but of men and women at all ages, and the survey found that
local communities are widely regarded as positive environments for ageing, and consistently
so by those living in different communities across metropolitan areas, regional centres and
rural areas, and across the four groups of respondents. Local communities were almost
Preparing for Ageing Project Report - October 2008 11
universally viewed as offering many opportunities for maintaining social networks and
engaging in a wide range of group and individual recreation activities; attitudes to older
people and safety in the community were also rated as very positive.
The only exception to these positive views was the assessment of ease of getting about
without driving, and the only comment that was made frequently about how to address
problems in local communities was to improve public transport. Lack of public transport is
a particular concern to women as they grow older, and it reduces the value of public transport
concessions, but it is also a major concern to all those who cannot drive or who do not have
access to a car.
6. Proposals for preparing for ageing
The final part of the report presents proposals for preparing for ageing by way of initiatives
for inclusion in a future program for preparing for healthy ageing, and roles that the
Australian Women’s Coalition could take to this end.
Proposals for a preparing for healthy ageing program
The initiatives suggested for inclusion in a preparing for healthy ageing program were many
and varied, and it is apparent that health aspects of ageing are viewed in a wider context of
preparing for ageing. Five clusters of initiatives were identified as follows:
1. In taking account of attitudes to preparing for ageing, any program had to be based on
recognition of what was normal ageing and what was abnormal, and there was a clear
view that ageing per se should not be “talked into a problem”, raising anxieties about the
future where there was previously little concern. At the same time, respondents felt that
some level of preparation was in order, that women should neither just accept what was
happening nor suddenly find themselves ill-prepared.
2. Whereas many aspects of ageing were seen to continue over the life course, ensuring
financial security was the one area in which purposeful action had to be taken early.
The generational differences that respondents identified in opportunities to achieve
financial independence and security highlight this point. Starting early not only increased
the likelihood of achieving financial security but the planning involved also gave a
realistic view of what to expect. Those in the transition groups stressed that achieving
financial security had to start early and be taken seriously, with regard to pursuing careers
well into their 60s as a means of building up superannuation. Many women already in
their 60s and 70s were in a different position, observing that neither they nor their
husbands had had super long enough to build up security. These respondents were more
likely to express concerns about actual costs of living or the impact of anticipated future
cost increases; increases in private health insurance premiums were flagged as a specific
concern. There were widespread calls for independent and free or at least low cost
financial advice and retirement planning sessions. Addressing confusion about changes
to superannuation was a high priority. Centrelink was again identified as the agency to
take a leading role.
3. Maintaining social networks was critical to healthy ageing, and involved a mix of
informal, personal networks and participation in more organised community activities.
Intergenerational relations were a feature of personal networks, and interaction with
Preparing for Ageing Project Report - October 2008 12
children, grand children and great-grandchildren was seen as a way of keeping young.
Although policy discussion of work-family life balance has focused on younger families,
grandparents are also very much a part of working families, and achieving a work-life
balance was a clear theme through the transition to retirement. Participation in
organised groups with people with similar interests, volunteering in different settings,
continuing education, and self help groups were all mentioned as avenues for maintaining
and expanding social networks.
4. Proposals for health and community services to be included in any healthy ageing
program emphasised boosting current programs rather than starting new, but under-
funded services, and health promotion ahead of treatment services.
• The most widely proposed options that form the basics of a healthy ageing program are
low cost and local, community based fitness programs and classes offering exercise, diet
and nutrition advice.
• More specific areas of health promotion were falls prevention and living with pain,
advice on alternative therapies, and assistance with medication management.
• Advice on home safety, home modifications and use of aids were also recognised as
making valuable contributions to preparing for ageing rather than only being relevant to
care for frail aged individuals.
Other components of a healthy ageing program could include:
• Dental care as the single health service that was most often mentioned as requiring
improved access.
• A more systematic approach to comprehensive reviews of health at each decade of
ageing, rather than waiting until age 75.
• Two further initiatives were mobile clinics to improve access in rural areas, and better
access to cheaper, healthy food in remote areas through community cooperatives.
• Particular concerns for women’s health were promoting awareness of osteoporosis
among young women, education about changes in health associated with menopause,
increased access to bone density screening, and mental health problems.
• More attention to the risks that women faced in the “traditional men’s health areas” of
heart disease and stroke through promoting women’s understanding of the risks
associated with obesity and the links between diet, exercise, being overweight and health
problems.
• Having more female health practitioners focusing on ageing in all health services, not
only aged care, and more attention to ageing in tertiary education.
• There was a unanimous view that for services to be accessible, they had to be affordable,
and for many, affordability meant free at the point of use. Expanding the range of
preventative services available under Medicare was a favoured approach.
5. A great many proposals were made about the place of information and education in any
program for preparing for ageing. The calls for more information however contrast
with the survey findings to the effect that lack of knowledge was not a barrier to healthy
Preparing for Ageing Project Report - October 2008 13
ageing or to take-up of existing healthy ageing initiatives, and that respondents could
obtain information when they sought it. Salience, or the lack of it, explains many of the
contradictions between different comments made about information in different sections
of the survey, and efforts to increase the provision of information could to a large extent
be wasted efforts unless the salience of different kinds of information at different points
is given careful consideration. The difference between passive distribution of
information and active engagement in education also needs to be taken into account. A
multi-layered strategy is needed to make general information broadly available and
provide more in-depth education sessions for those seeking more information on
particular chronic conditions they were affecting their well-being. The findings that
general practitioners were the most widely used source of information calls for greater
recognition of their role in strategies to promote information and education on preparing
for health ageing.
Strategies
Rather than identifying totally new initiatives or major gaps that needed to be filled, the
proposals put forward make it apparent that any healthy ageing program, or program for
preparing for ageing more widely, has to proceed by building on and integrating the range of
existing approaches. Five themes identified across the many proposals put forward provide
some directions for any future program:
1. Healthy ageing is seen as part of preparing for ageing more widely, and within the health
domain, the interaction of mental and physical well-being is widely recognised, as is the
emphasis on health promotion.
2. Preparing for ageing involves a balance of individual, community and government
responsibilities.
3. The time frame of preparing for ageing may be too long and too vague to prompt action;
instead. As most of the actions that contribute to preparing for ageing also have more
immediate benefits, the rationale needs to emphasise “be healthy now, be healthy for the
future”.
4. Over the long course of preparing for ageing, there are a number of critical points at
which awareness of ageing is heightened and at which women, and men, might well be
prompted to review their preparation for healthy ageing on many fronts.
- For women, menopause around age 50 provides a starting point for charting the steps
to be taken in preparing for ageing in the short, medium and long term.
- Increasingly women will be accessing their own superannuation, or doing so with
their spouse, around age 60. This event provides a critical point not only for
financial planning but for reviewing preparation for ageing more widely across
health, housing, family and social activities. Superannuation funds and Centrelink
may have a role to play in prompting such wide-ranging reviews.
- Take-up of Seniors Cards issued by state governments is very high and the points at
which cards are renewed could provide an opportunity for prompting individuals to
review their preparations for ageing in different areas.
5. Information and education strategies for preparing for ageing need to be refined and
strengthened to ensure a better match between different agencies and their capacities to
Preparing for Ageing Project Report - October 2008 14
deliver different messages to different audiences. One initiative that could be
undertaken by the Office for Women in conjunction with the Office for an Ageing
Australia would be to review all Commonwealth information on healthy ageing, whether
in leaflet, other written or audio-visual format, and how this information is disseminated,
and in consultation with relevant groups, with a view to compiling an Ageing Essentials
resource kit.
The way in which the elements of a program for preparing for healthy ageing are brought
together will be shaped by prevailing policy views of retirement in the context of the wider
social inclusion agenda. This project reports positive findings with regard to most aspects
of social inclusion. The respondents reported overwhelmingly positive experiences in
family relations, including relations between generations, in their wider social networks of
friends and personal interests and in their local communities. The exceptions arose where
crisis disrupted individual’s expected life course transitions and normative transitions, and
these disruptions could have enduring effects. Recovery from such events may need to
extend beyond short term support in through the immediate crisis.
Security in a paid job for as long as women chose to work, and having a secure income in
retirement were central to preparing for ageing and to on-going social inclusion. The project
found considerable variation in the ways that women in the two transition groups mix roles at
work, in their families and in wider social networks, and that good physical and mental
health underpins all these roles, and through to the further transitions of later life. These
findings are consistent with a wide range of recent research that shows the transitions of
ageing to be increasingly diverse and dynamic for Australian women. A key concern in
developing policies and programs for preparing for ageing is then how goals of continued
participation in the workforce are to be balanced with goals of enabling women to develop
other personal and social roles.
Roles for the Australian Women’s Coalition
The final part of the survey sought proposals on the roles that the Australian Women’s
Coalition was best placed to take in advancing policies and programs that will enable women
to prepare for ageing. While identified with reference to the current project, these proposals
are likely to apply to AWC roles more widely, and indeed reflect the roles taken in the many
other projects in which member organizations and their individual members have
participated.
The first and foremost role of AWC was seen to be to giving women a voice that would
make policies more aware of and responsive to their needs. Consultation through member
organizations is the main way in which AWC enables women to be heard. Given AWC’s
defined role of providing advice to government on the basis of consultation through its
member organizations, it was readily recognised that AWC neither could nor should try to do
everything itself. Two questions that can guide decisions on which of many possible roles
and issues AWC should take up are (a) which other organization are involved? and (b) what
can AWC’s involvement add? These question are particularly pertinent to the roles that
AWC might take in advancing the preparing for ageing project through dissemination and
advocacy.
The second role identified for AWC was in dissemination of policy information to member
organizations. With regard to the present project, many respondents called for the project
Preparing for Ageing Project Report - October 2008 15
report to be made widely available to member organizations, and through them, to individual
members. The second means of dissemination was for AWC to hold a program of seminars,
possibly delivered in conjunction with programs of member organizations. AWC was seen
to have limited capacity and expertise to take on production and dissemination of written
information on preparing for ageing and to do so could add to the strongly expressed
concerns about information overload. Its role is instead to publicise other existing sources of
information available, including via the AWC website. Many respondents wanted feedback
on the outcomes that projects had achieved. In providing such feedback, AWC can define
the scope of its role as a consultative body and clarify the limits to its role in direct provision
of other activities.
The third role assigned to AWC was advocacy. Advocacy by AWC was clearly identified
as playing an important role in getting women’s issues on to the policy agenda, with this role
pursued through participation in forums, conducting consultations, making submissions and
direct contact with the Minister and officials in the Office for Women. One proposal of
particular interest for strengthening its advocacy role was that AWC should prepare “briefs”
or short position papers on specific topics and circulate them to relevant government
agencies and other organizations. As well as providing a focus for AWC’s own advocacy,
position statements would also provide a resource to support AWC member organizations in
their own advocacy roles for joint action with ageing organizations such as COTA.
Three specific issues were frequently identified as issues for advocacy in preparing for
ageing:
• advocacy for the recognition of the value of older women for their positive roles and
contributions, so that ageing is not presented only as a problem.
• advocacy for women to have equality with men in general health programs that are
currently heavily slanted towards men, such as prevention of cardiovascular disease.
• advocacy for more support for ensuring financial security for women beyond the Age
Pension; this report identified a range of measures that could support women in preparing
financially for ageing, with different measures required at different stages and for
different cohorts of women who have had different participation in the workforce and in
superannuation.
The extent to which AWC takes on a advocacy role itself or supports its member
organizations to advocate, and the issues of concern that it takes up are matters for future
discussion among AWC members.
Preparing for Ageing Project Report - October 2008 16
1. The Preparing for Ageing Project
1.1 Context and Scope of the Healthy Ageing segment of the Project
This report brings together the two parts of the Preparing for Ageing Project carried out by
the Australian Women’s Coalition through 2008. The main focus of the report is the
preparing for healthy ageing segment of the project, with cross references to reports already
presented on segment of the project addressing social inclusion, which incorporated financial
literacy and financial security.
The current project sits alongside other recent AWC projects on post-acute care, osteoporosis
and the sandwich generation of women who care for grandchildren and ageing parents.
While recognising the fundamental contribution of housing to well-being as women age,
housing is not a major focus of the present project as AWC is also carrying out a project on
homelessness in 2008.
Demographic data highlights the significance for preparing for ageing for women in
Australia. The Australian Bureau of Statistics projects that the number of women aged 65
and over will increase from 1.5 million in 2006 to 3.357 million by 2036, an increase of
123%. In 2006, 15% of women were aged 65 and over, but by 2036, fully 25% will be in
this older age group. The proportion of the total aged population accounted for by women
remains stable at just on 54%, largely due to greater improvements in mortality rates for men
and convergence towards women’s lower mortality rates.
1.1.1 The context of social inclusion
Interest in healthy ageing as part of preparing for ageing more widely has been heightened by
the findings of the social inclusion segment of the Project that good health was the prime
factor necessary for lifetime social inclusion.
Defining social inclusion
Social inclusion was defined in terms consistent with the current policy view that to be
socially included, all Australians must be given opportunities to have a secure job, to access
services, to connect with others through life through family, friends, personal interests and
local communities, to deal with personal crises such as ill health, change of residence or
living conditions, bereavement or the loss of a job, and have their voice heard. The project
also took account of the importance of financial literacy and avoiding poverty for social
inclusion.
The social inclusion segment of the Project was carried out through a survey of over 200
members of AWC organizations, and two reports were presented, one covering respondents
views of factors leading to lifetime social inclusion and the other focusing on factors
determining current feelings of social inclusion. The findings of the two reports were very
consistent and are summarised together here.
Current feelings of and future concerns about social inclusion
The main conclusions of the project were that respondents for the most part felt socially
included and that concerns about social inclusion did not necessarily change with age; at the
same time, they were aware that social inclusion could be precarious. In reporting that
social exclusion was seen more as a worry than an experience, it was noted that this finding
in part spoke to the profile of the women who responded to the survey, and in particular the
Preparing for Ageing Project Report - October 2008 17
fact that they were actively engaged with women’s organizations. The findings also
emphasised that in the context of ageing, social inclusion should celebrate women’s
resilience and the good spirits of many older women.
The paramount factor contributing to lifetime social inclusion was being in good health,
followed by being financially secure, having strong networks and support, and having access
to quality education, knowledge and information. Employment and access to services cut
across these areas: employment gave financial security and generated self-worth and mental
and emotional well-being, while access to services was necessary to maintaining health,
gaining financial knowledge and income, and being involved in the community.
While some of the same factors were associated with current feelings of social inclusion, or
the risk of exclusion, they varied in importance for different groups. Access to services and
potential poverty were most often cited as areas of particular concern across all age groups.
The next highest ranking factors differed by age group. Changes in living conditions were of
concern to respondents over 50; those under 50 were concerned about social networks.
Employment, including competition with younger women in the workplace, followed as a
common concern for those in their 40s, while those in their 30s tended to see social inclusion
as something they actively worked for by being assertive and taking responsibility for
education and finances. These two younger age groups also saw that motherhood carried
some risks of social exclusion.
Policy implications
The theme that emerged most strongly from the social inclusion project was the necessity for
women to be financially independent. As well as married women needing to be financially
independent from their spouses, the greater risk of poverty faced by single women was
highlighted as a precipitator of social exclusion. These conclusions are highly relevant to
policies to ensure social inclusion of women as they age given the projected increases in the
number of single (never married) women and the much greater likelihood that married
women will experience widowhood compared to married men. The two strategies proposed
for addressing these concerns were increasing women’s equality in the workplace and putting
financial education in place from an early age.
Recommendations aimed at other aspects of social inclusion focused on enabling women’s
community participation at high levels, and developing resources to promote the maintenance
of a strong and healthy mind; a particular means to this end was to ensure accessible library
services for all communities. A number of other interesting trends were identified as
deserving more investigation and policy attention were:
• findings that mothers with young children could be vulnerable to social exclusion
warranted a life-stage approach in policy and service development;
• widespread concern about rising inflation raised questions about how adequately costs of
living, including basic services, were taken into account in calculating the single Age
Pension;
• women in their 50 were the most concerned of all age groups about being heard; and
• rapid changes in modern technology were identified as problematic for older women in
many areas of everyday life, such as electronic banking, and assistance through local
agencies was needed.
Preparing for Ageing Project Report - October 2008 18
1.1.2 The current policy context and opportunities for input to Commonwealth
policies and programs
The stage is set for the AWC Preparing for Ageing Project to make a real contribution to
shaping policies for both women’s health and healthy ageing. A series of recent events
have brought both these areas under active consideration by Commonwealth and State
Governments.
Just prior to the November 2007 election:
• Nicola Roxon, now Minister for Health, indicated that an incoming Labor government
would develop a national policy on women’s health that would encourage specific health
services for women and actively promote participation of women in health decision
making and management. Of particular relevance to preparing for ageing, she also
flagged greater attention to managing the escalating burden of chronic disease that
particularly impacts on women’s health.
• The ALP Ageing Policy Discussion Paper included the development of a national healthy
ageing program among the goals set for activity, quality and security for an ageing
Australia. A national healthy ageing program would consolidate a number of existing
but fragmented state and national initiatives across a diverse range of activities, including
volunteering, promoting accessible and adaptable housing, creating inclusive
communities for all ages, addressing social inclusion, extending the Continence Aids
Assistance Scheme, celebrating seniors’ contributions to their communities, and research.
Three significant developments in 2008 have been:
• The Australian Women’s Health Network (AWHN) released a Position Paper, Women’s
Health: The New National Agenda in March 2008 (see www.awhn.org.au). The Position
Paper was developed from a discussion paper circulated in mid 2007 and a summit held
in Canberra in September 2007. The framework proposed in the Position Paper
provided a very useful starting point for the Preparing for Healthy Ageing Project.
• A large body of research findings on women’s health and ageing is now available from
the Australian Longitudinal Study of Women’s Health which began in 1996 and is
planned to continue at least until 2016.
• The Council of Australian Governments (COAG) for Ministers of Ageing, and the
overall COAG health reform agenda, provide opportunities for bringing together the
various State policies on women’s health and healthy ageing, and the diverse range of
services that give effect to these policies, to forge national strategies.
1.1.3 The healthy ageing context
As well as taking up the themes identified in the social inclusion project and using a life-
course approach to investigating how women were preparing for healthy ageing, the current
project aimed to address three major paradoxes that arise in discussion of women’s health
and ageing:
Preparing for Ageing Project Report - October 2008 19
1. While women live longer than men, there are wide variations in life expectancy for
women, although not as wide as the variations in men’s life expectancy. The gap
between life expectancy of indigenous Australians and the rest of the community is
widely recognised, but there are also wide variations in life expectancy among all
Australian women; while the 20% who live longest live to 90 or older, 10% die before
they reach 60. Women’s longer life expectancy is characterised by higher rates of
severe disability than men experience, and these rates increase steeply with age: only
10% have a severe limitation at age 60-64, but by age 85 and over, 65% have this level of
limitation. There are thus substantial differences between the healthy majority of older
women and the minority who experience high levels of disability and premature death.
2. While specifically “women’s health issues”, notably breast and cervical cancer, attract
considerable attention, the major causes of chronic illness, disability and death are the
same for women and men: heart disease and stroke far outstrip “women’s cancers” as
causes of disability and death.
3. Health care services have contributed to improvements in women’s health and life
expectancy, but not all parts of the health care system contribute as much as they might to
preparing for ageing. Support for healthy ageing has to come mainly through health
primary health care, including general practitioners and community health services, and
health promotion activities.
To address these issues and link the findings to social inclusion, the healthy ageing segment
of the project canvassed five sets of questions:
1. What were the priorities for women’s health and preparing for ageing in the framework
for a new women’s health strategy proposed by the Australian Women’s Health
Network?
2. Why do women need to prepare for ageing, and what preparations need to be made at
different transitions that occur across the life course?
3. How can the foundations of healthy ageing be established, and what barriers do women
face to adopting a healthy diet, weight and exercise?
4. What initiatives are needed to build on existing healthy ageing initiatives, including
preparing for ageing in work, home and community settings?
5. What should be included in any preparing for ageing program and what roles should
AWC take in advancing such measures?
Before presenting findings on these questions, the project consultation and survey methods
are detailed. The main body of the report focuses on the survey findings rather than
reviewing research more widely, but a number of boxes through the report highlight relevant
findings from reports from the Australian Longitudinal Study of Women’s Health (ALSWH)
and papers published in the Australasian Journal on Ageing (AJA) over the last five years.
The selection of research studies particularly aimed to enable the findings of the present
study to be compared with findings based on large scale, representative samples.
Preparing for Ageing Project Report - October 2008 20
1.2 The Preparing for Healthy Ageing Survey and the respondents
The main part of the Preparing for Healthy Ageing Project was a survey conducted through
AWC member organizations. Organizations distributed the survey form and guide to their
members for return directly by email or post, and some organizations arranged consultations
at which members completed the survey. The respondents to the survey are characterised by
diversity in both the range of AWC organizations to which they belonged, the states and
localities in which they live, and their ages and workforce participation.
1.2.1 Member organizations of the Australian Women’s Coalition
Respondents came from 14 member organizations of the Australian Women’s Coalition and
a number of other organizations. The 20 consultations arranged by AWC member
organizations contributed a large share of all responses; although not all those attending each
consultation belong to the respective organization, and some participants sent in responses
after the consultations, around two thirds of the responses came from consultations and one
third directly from individuals via email or post.
• Three organizations accounted for just on half the total responses: Mothers’ Union with
75 respondents from 5 states; Zonta International with 46 respondents, all from NSW,
and the Salvation Army with 41 respondents, from NSW and Victoria.
• There were between 10 and 20 responses from six organizations, mostly from NSW,
Victoria and the ACT: Australian Church Women, Guides, the Muslim Women’s
National Network of Australia, the National Council of Women, the Pan Pacific and
South East Asia Women’s Association of Australia, and Soroptimists International.
• While only small numbers of respondents identified themselves as belonging to another 6
organizations - Conflict Resolving Women’s Network Australia, Catholic Women’s
League, the Australian Federation of Medical Women, UNIFEM Australia and View
Clubs, it is evident that consultations arranged by these groups included many of the 41
respondents who indicated that they belonged to ‘other’ organization or did not belong to
any organization but participated as interested individuals. By way of example, over 20
women attended four consultations organised by the Conflict Resolving Women’s
Network of Australia, but only 5 identified themselves as members of CRWNA, and a
single report was submitted on a fifth consultation attended by around 20 women who did
not complete individual surveys.
Respondents came from all states except the Northern Territory and from metropolitan areas,
regional centres and rural and remote areas, as detailed in Table 1.1. While broadly
matching the balance of population between the states and localities, two features of the
geographic pattern of responses need to be noted:
• The ACT is over-represented and the number of ACT respondents reporting that they
were from a regional centre (rather than a metropolitan area) increases the share of all
responses from regional centres.
• In Queensland, regional centres were over-represented and Brisbane was under-
represented.
Preparing for Ageing Project Report - October 2008 21
Table 1.1: Respondents by state and locality
Total
State Metropolitan Regional Centre
Rural/ remote No. %
NSW 92 25 12 129 42.6
Victoria 25 17 14 56 18.5
Queensland 12 25 2 39 12.9
South Australia 21 2 1 24 7.9
Western Australia 5 3 8 2.6
Tasmania 2 4 6 2.0
ACT 26 15 41 13.5
Total No. 183 87 33 303
% 60.4 28.7 10.9 100.0
The survey findings are reported for all respondents and not analysed by locality. Research
findings show that while there are some differences in ageing for women in different
localities, there are more similarities, so the account presented in this report can be taken as
typical of women’s experiences in metropolitan and regional areas.
Research findings on
older women and
ageing in urban, rural and remote Australia
Byles, Powers, Chojenta & Warner Smith. 2006
This study used data for 8,647 women in the Australian Longitudinal Survey on Women’s Health, who were aged 70-75 in 1996 and who were tracked to 2002, using a number of standard measures. 11% had died or become too frail to participate and another 12% withdrew or had been lost to the study. There were no differences in death rates between areas and there was very little movement between types of areas. Over the period, health related quality of life declined for physical health, and more at older ages, but mental health remained stable. There were no differences in alcohol use or smoking over time or between areas. Exercise declined, and those living in remote areas were less likely to exercise than others. Urban women made more use of GPs and other health services, but there were no differences in hospital admissions. Medication use increased over time with advancing age, but again, there were no differences between areas. Caregiving increased considerably and women’s own need for help also increased, uniformly across areas. Women in rural and remote areas were more likely to use respite, nursing and community health services and to attend social groups. It appears that women in rural and remote communities substitute other services for GPs and draw more on community services Being widowed and living alone increased, although women in remote areas remained more likely to be married. Housing moves indicated both need and ability to adapt. The 11% of non-urban women who relocated to urban areas are identified as a group who may be particularly vulnerable if they were adjusting to health needs, but they made lower use of community services and had less social support than in their previous homes. While suggesting possible disadvantage for this group, cause and effect is hard to establish. More evident are the wide similarities in women as they age in all areas.
Preparing for Ageing Project Report - October 2008 22
Notwithstanding the diversity of respondents, there are some limitations in the coverage of
the survey. The main limitation is that respondents were overwhelming Anglo-Australians,
with fully 88% identifying this background. Indigenous women accounted for 3.3% of
respondents, and they came from five states.
Women from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds (CALD) were markedly
under-represented; compared to 25% of the total population, only 8% of respondents
identified themselves as being from a CALD background, and 20 of these 24 respondents
were from NSW. One source of these responses was a consultation organized by the
Muslim Women’s National Network of Australia. Although it was not able to hold a
consultation, the Hindu Women’s Council of Australia provided some comments on the very
marked differences in experiences of ageing of the generation of Hindu women who were
now aged and the coming cross-cultural generation who had spent their youth and adult life
in Australia. Drawing attention to the cultural needs of the older generation of Hindu
women raises the issues of the distinctive nature of ageing in other cultures more widely, and
of the need for recognition of these cultural considerations in preparing for ageing.
1.2.2 Respondents perspectives on preparing for ageing
A total of 314 responses were received. Only 11 forms could not be used due to missing
data on half or more items, mostly by way of non-response to whole sections of the survey.
Data from the 303 valid survey forms are presented in the tables through this report. As
there were some non-responses to scattered items in the valid responses, there are some
minor variations in the totals from one table to another.
The main characteristic of the respondents is their diversity. Ages ranged from under age 30
to 94. Most were older rather than younger: one third were under 60, one third were aged 60-
69 and one third were 70 and older. Workforce participation was also varied: just over
25% worked full time, close to 20% worked part time and over half were retired, including
those who had either never worked or not been in the paid workforce for decades.
The range of respondents’ ages and workforce participation means they saw preparing for
ageing from different stages of the life course. Table 1.2 shows consistent relationships
between age and workforce participation, and respondents are classified into four groups who
can be expected to bring different views to preparing for ageing on the basis of their age,
experience of paid work and other roles, and the transitions that women experience as they
age.
These groups are:
1. Respondents aged under 50 who were working, most of them full time, present a
prospective view of preparing for ageing. This younger group accounts for 14.5% of
respondents. Ageing is something that lies in the future for this generation of women
who have a high level of involvement in the paid workforce; long term contributions to
superannuation and other aspects of workforce participation will make their experience of
ageing very different to previous generations of women.
Preparing for Ageing Project Report - October 2008 23
Table 1.2: Respondents by age, workforce participation and perspectives on preparing for
ageing
In workforce Total
Age Full time Part time*
Retired No %
Perspective on preparing for ageing
20-29 4 1 5
30-39 11 4 15
40-49 15 10 25
14.5 Prospective
50-59 32 19 51
60-69 20 15 35
70+ 1 7 8
31.1 Working-transition
50-59 9 9
60-69 57 57 21.9 Retired-transition
70+ 98 98 32.5 Retrospective
Total No. 83 56 164 303
% 27.2 18.5 54.3 100.0
* includes 10 who reported that they were in the workforce but not currently working
2. Women aged 70 and over who were retired, including a number who reported specifically
that they had never been in the paid workforce, present largely a retrospective view of
preparing for ageing. This older group accounted for one in three respondents. While
women’s long life expectancy means that many will live well into their 80s, many felt
they were able to look back on how they had already prepared for ageing rather than still
preparing for their future ageing. Their perspectives are those of a generation of women
who had lower levels of participation in the paid workforce and very few had access to
superannuation. In terms of intergenerational relations, this group includes women who
are the mothers of those under 50, and grandmothers to the children of these younger
women.
3. Women aged over 50 who were working can be labelled a working-transition group.
This group accounted for some 30% of respondents. While most of this group are aged
50-60 and are working full-time, their transitional status is indicated by the higher
proportion who are working part-time compared to the under 50 age group, and within
the group, part-time work is more common among those aged over 60 compared to 50-
59. In particular, 6 of the 8 women over 70 who are included in this group on the basis
of their workforce participation are working part-time.
4. Women aged between 50 and 70 who have retired, or who did not participate in the paid
workforce through their middle years, are labelled a retired-transition group. This group
is smaller than the working-transition group, accounting for just over 20% of
respondents. These respondents are distinguished from the working-transition group on
the basis of having made one of the major transitions in ageing by way of having left the
paid workforce, and their retirement decisions are also likely to be associated with
differences in other circumstances and roles that have a bearing on preparing for ageing,
particularly roles relating to younger and older family members.
Preparing for Ageing Project Report - October 2008 24
These four groups provide a useful framework for making a systematic analysis of the survey
data and reporting the findings in a way that encompasses the diversity of women’s
experiences of ageing and views on preparing for ageing from women in different
generations.
Research findings on changing
perspectives on
retirement
Quine & Carter. 2006
This literature review examines baby boomers expectations in regard to their health and care needs, housing, work and income needs, and how they ascribed responsibility for meeting these needs. The review found far more opinion on these matters than fact, with widespread assumptions about baby boomers being a different kind of older persons than previous generations. Contradictions were also found between opinions on expectations expressed in policy documents and a range of empirical data on trends in the relevant areas. Specifically focusing on women, conflicting views were reported about women rejecting traditional caring roles in retirement in favour of continuing their current interests, yet being as likely as the preceding generation to expect to do unpaid household and community work. Women’s expectations about retirement were strongly conditioned by their partners decisions, while women with lower incomes and part time employment in semi-skilled jobs were least likely to expect to retire early. To the extent that employers based hiring decisions on the age of their customers, more workforce opportunities could become available. While issues of baby boomers views of responsibility for old age were not widely explored, a gap between government policies emphasising self-provision in old age and capacity to make adequate provision was evident, especially on the part of older women.
1.2.3 Benefits of participating in the survey
The survey came within the category of negligible risk research as defined by the NHMRC,
and the following statement was circulated with the survey:
The Preparing for Ageing Survey carries negligible risk in terms of the risk levels set out in the National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Research Involving Humans published by the National Health and Medical Research Council in 2007 (see www.nhmrc.gov.au). The expression ‘negligible risk research’ describes research in which there is no foreseeable risk of harm or discomfort; and any foreseeable risk is no more than inconvenience. Your participation in the survey is voluntary and it is assumed that you have an adequate understanding of the purpose, methods, demands, risks and potential benefits of the research. Completion of the survey implies your informed consent. Data collected through the survey will be presented as summary descriptive statistics and qualitative comments. No statistics or comments will be attributable to identifiable individuals.
The issue of risk also has to take account of benefits to research participants, and to addresses
this issue, two questions at the end of the survey asked respondents how well they considered
they were preparing for ageing for ageing and whether participation in the survey had
prompted them to think more about preparing for ageing. The results in Table 1.3 show:
• Fully 70% of respondents considered that they were preparing for ageing quite well or
very well. Only 4% felt they were not preparing very well, and another 25% reported
that their preparation was minimal.
Preparing for Ageing Project Report - October 2008 25
• Overall, participation in the survey prompted 60% to think more about preparing for
ageing. Those whose preparation was minimal were most likely to be promoted to think
more, and conversely, those who felt they were already very well prepared were least
likely to report they had to been prompted to think further.
Table 1.3: Has participating in the survey made you think more about preparing for ageing? (n=275, 91% of 303 valid responses)
Has participating in the survey made you think more about preparing for ageing?
Total How well do you think you are preparing for ageing? No Yes No %
Not very well 3 9 12 4.3
Minimally 15 55 70 25.2
Quite well 59 82 141 51.4
Very well 34 18 52 19.1
Total No 111 164 275
% 41.0 60.0 100.0
The four respondent groups varied in the extent to which they were preparing for ageing and
were prompted to think more.
Younger group: 60% rated their preparation as minimal and were prompted to think more.
Some made comments about being prompted to think in general and others
were promoted to specific action such as seeking health tests applicable to
their age group.
Working-transition group: Few felt that they had prepared either not very well or very well.
Between these extremes, 30% were minimally prepared and three out of
four of these respondents were prompted to think more, and of the 50% who
were preparing quite well, six out of 10 were prompted to think more.
Comments included “Being prompted to think in advance is invaluable”,
“ I realise time is moving on – I feel around 35 until I look into the mirror”.
Retired-transition group: Not only were 11 of the 12 who were minimally or not very well
prepared prompted to think more, but two out of three of those who were
preparing for ageing quite well were prompted to think more. Thinking
more focused on measures that individuals could take themselves to prepare
for ageing.
Older group: Even though over 80% reported they were preparing (or had prepared) for
ageing well or very well, just on half were prompted to think further.
Rather than thinking about what more they needed to do to prepare further,
comments reflected on “how lucky I am to be as well prepared as I am”, or
“glad to have prepared early so can decide for myself”. Those who were not
promoted to think more made comments along the lines “I’m already there”.
Although only 11 of this group were minimally prepared, all but two said
they were prompted to think more.
Preparing for Ageing Project Report - October 2008 26
As well as indicating that the majority of women gained some benefits from their
participation in the survey, these outcomes have three implications for developing strategies
for preparing for ageing:
- even a small intervention can prompt thinking abut preparing for ageing;
- strategies for preparing for ageing have to be made salient to women who are at
different stages of the life course; and
- different strategies are likely have a cumulative effect and reinforce each other as
women age.
Preparing for Ageing Project Report - October 2008 27
2. Identifying priorities for women’s health and
preparing for ageing
2.1 The new national women’s health policy framework
Priorities for preparing for healthy ageing were identified within the framework for a new
national women’s health policy proposed by the Australian Women’s Health Network. The
framework has three main elements:
1. Five criteria for developing a new women’s health policy:
- adopting a social model of health,
- incorporating diversity analysis to take account of all groups of women, including
older women and rapid ageing of the population,
- developing priority areas,
- adopting a gendered approach in the already agreed national health priorities, and
- using an inclusive and accountable process for policy development and
implementation.
2. Seven already agreed national health priorities, and
3. Five key areas of women’s health as priorities for action
As strategies for healthy ageing need to be cast within the policy framework for women’s
health more generally, an assessment of the relevance of the priorities and key areas
identified for women’s health provided the starting point for the preparing for ageing project.
The survey asked respondents to rate the importance of the identified priorities and action
areas in preparing for ageing, and the results by set out in Table 2.1
2.1.1 Priority areas
Three distinct patterns are seen in the ratings of the seven priority areas for preparing for
healthy ageing in Table 2.1A.
• Over 90% rated arthritis and musculo-skeletal problems, cardiovascular disease and
cancer as very high or high priority (bold in Table 2.1A).
• Around 80% rated diabetes mellitus rate and mental health problems as very high or high
priorities.
• The two remaining areas, asthma and injury and poisoning, including suicide, rated far
lower: half rated these areas as high or very high priority and half rated them as low or
very low priority.
Preparing for Ageing Project Report - October 2008 28
Table 2.1: Importance of women’s health priorities and action areas for preparing for healthy ageing
% rating priority as Total A. Health priorities very low low high very high % No. Arthritis and musculo-skeletal problems 0.3 6.2 44.3 49.1 100.0 291
Cardiovascular disease 0.0 7.1 37.6 55.3 100.0 295
Cancer 1.4 5.8 42.6 50.2 100.0 291
Diabetes Mellitus 3.8 12.6 45.5 38.1 100.0 286
Mental health problems 4.8 14.5 45.9 34.8 100.0 290
Injuries and poisoning, incl. suicide 14.7 29.4 35.3 20.6 100.0 286
Asthma 13.5 32.4 38.1 16.0 100.0 281 B. Key action areas
Access to publicly funded health services 0.3 3.0 26.9 69.7 100.0 297
Economic health and well-being 0.0 2.7 35.2 62.1 100.0 298
Mental health and well-being 0.3 5.4 45.3 49.0 100.0 296
Prevention of violence against women 3.8 12.3 45.1 38.9 100.0 293
Women’s sexual and reproductive health 5.9 29.4 42.9 21.8 100.0 289 C. Low priorities % of group rating priority/action area as very low or low Low rating health priorities Younger
Working transition
Retired transition Older Total
Diabetes Mellitus 27.3 18.4 15.0 9.9 16.4
Mental health problems 16.3 20.9 28.2 13.0 19.3
Injuries and poisoning, incl. suicide 70.1 42.2 49.2 29.3 44.1
Asthma 69.8 55.0 44.1 26.1 45.9
Low rating key action areas
Prevention of violence against women 27.3 19.6 12.5 9.7 16.0
Women’s sexual and reproductive health 34.1 35.9 32.7 37.0 35.3
Preparing for Ageing Project Report - October 2008 29
2.1.2 Action areas
The rating of the action areas in Table 2.1B showed marked differentials.
• Access to publicly funded health services and economic health and well-being were
identified as universal priorities. Some 97% of respondents rated these action areas as
high or very high priorities, with overwhelming majorities according them very high
priority.
• Mental health and well-being was rated also rated a high or very high priority by close to
95%, but a lower proportion rated this action area as very high priority.
• Fewer respondents rated the remaining two action areas as very high or high priority,
84% for prevention of violence against women and 65% for sexual and reproductive
health. The proportions rating these as low or very low priorities was also distinctly
higher.
Research findings
on mental health
Steed, Boldy, Grenade & Iredell. 2007
A Perth survey of people aged 65 and over found that 7% reported severe loneliness and 31.5% reported feeling lonely sometimes; higher levels of loneliness were associated with being single, living alone, and worse self rated health. Social networks were protective more likely Prevalence of loneliness should be of concern to mental health practitioners. Only limited gender differences were reported, and consistent with other studies. Social relationships with children and close friends were especially related to protecting women from loneliness, and self rated health was also more strongly related to loneliness for women than for men. Neither education level nor ability to manage on current income were associated with loneliness.
2.1.3 Differing perspectives on priorities
• The differential ratings of both the health priorities and the action areas is useful in
showing that not everything is as important as everything else in consider preparing for
ageing.
• The three health priorities of musculo-skeletal problems, cardiovascular disease and
cancer were accorded high priority almost universally by all four groups, as were the
action areas of access to publicly funded health services and economic health and well
being. As these areas are identified as high priorities for all groups, they have to be seen
as central to achieving and maintain health at all ages, not only in terms of preparing for
ageing.
• To investigate whether the lower ratings for the other four priorities reflected different
perspectives on healthy ageing, the proportions of the four respondent groups rating these
priorities as very low or low was examined. These proportions reported n Table 2.1C
show different patterns for the different areas:
- Diabetes mellitus showed a marked age gradient: three times as many of the younger
group rated it as a lower priority than the older group, with the two transition groups
in between.
- Injury and asthma were more likely to be rated as very low or low priority by the
younger group than the older group.
Preparing for Ageing Project Report - October 2008 30
- Mental health problems and mental health and well being showed interesting
differences. The two transition groups were most likely and the older group were
least likely to accord mental health problems lower priority as a health priority,
mental health and well-being was rated equally highly as an action area by all
groups.
- The lower overall rating for the two action areas stemmed from very different shifts
in ratings. Sexual health was consistently rated lower by all four groups, whereas
there was a marked age gradient in the rating of prevention of violence against
women.
- It is evident that the younger group were more likely to differentiate in their ratings of
some of the health priorities and action areas than the other groups. Thus, the
younger group see asthma and prevention of violence against women as lower
priorities for ageing than the other areas, and possibly as priorities for younger rather
than older age groups. On the other hand, the older group are more likely to be aware
of the importance of injury related to ageing, especially falls, and so accord this area
higher priority than the younger group. In the area of mental health, it was women in
the transition group who were more likely to accord mental health problems a lower
priority than other health areas, while the older group may be more aware of dementia
as a mental health problem of advanced old age.
These differences between groups point to the changing salience of different health concerns
at different life course stages. The response to these differences is not to reshape women’s
views of priorities for preparing for ageing but to develop initiatives that address these
changing concerns.
2.1.4 Implications
The priorities identified for preparing for healthy ageing can be readily advanced in the
framework presented by the proposed new national women’s health policy.
Three health priorities - arthritis and musculo-skeletal problems, cardiovascular disease and
cancer - and the action areas of access to publicly funded health services and economic
health and well-being were identified as high priorities by all respondent groups. These
findings point to the need to address these issues as central to achieving and maintaining
health now, for women at whatever age they are, with the benefits of health now leading to
healthy ageing over the longer term, and to sustaining initiatives in these area as women age.
The other priority areas – diabetes, mental health, injury and asthma – and the action areas of
mental health and well being, prevention of violence against women and women’s sexual and
reproductive health were accorded more differential priorities by the four respondent groups,
pointing to the need to vary strategies to address these issues in different ways at different
stages of preparing for ageing.
Preparing for Ageing Project Report - October 2008 31
3. Key transitions in preparing for ageing
3.1 When do women become aware that they need to prepare for ageing?
This section of the survey set out five transitions that commonly occur in women’s lives over
the decades from 40 to 80: reaching middle age, menopause, retirement, widowhood and
coming to need care. Respondents were asked to identify any other transitions and to
comment on how aware they were of ageing at each transition, the health concerns that
emerge at each time and the steps that could be taken to prepare for healthy ageing.
The four groups of respondents brought different perspectives to their views of transitions
across the life-course, and the proportion who responded to this section of the survey and the
detail in the comments they made reflect their differing experiences and concerns about
preparing for ageing at each transition.
• Close to half of the respondents in the retired transition group (45%) made comments;
this high level of response can be attributed not only to their own recent experience of
leaving the paid workforce but also the experience of partners’ retirement and the
associated adjustments.
• These changes were still in the future for the transition group who were still working, and
the response rate was somewhat lower (38%).
• The level of responses was the same for the older group.
• Just over a third of the younger group made comments (35%) and their responses provide
a good view of the diversity of experience of reaching middle age, with perspectives on
future transitions expressed in terms of the range of possibilities they foresaw, what they
expected and what might happen. While some stated that they could not comment on
transitions they had yet to reach, others drew on the experiences of their mothers and
grandmothers to highlight how their own lives would probably be different.
Four areas in which adjustments occurred across all transitions emerged: attitudes to and
awareness of ageing at each transition, health concerns, changing family relationships and
social networks, and financial security. The nature of the adjustments made and attention to
preparing for ageing differed at each transition, and all aspects of the transition to retirement
showed it to be a very dynamic time. Increased awareness and action at particular points
give some clues for the timing and nature of possible initiatives for promoting health ageing.
Preparing for Ageing Project Report - October 2008 32
3.2 Transitions and preparing for ageing across the life course
3.2.1 Around 40: reaching middle age
Attitudes around 40
Respondents in all groups said they had no thoughts of ageing around age 40. Typical
responses of “getting old is a long way off”, “not me yet”, “too busy to think about ageing”
all showed that many other immediate concerns prevailed over thoughts of preparing for
ageing.
Reaching 40 was overwhelmingly seen as a time for developing mid-life roles; even though
doing so could lay the foundations for healthy ageing, these longer term implications were
rarely thought about. Some said they were more concerned with staying young than
preparing for later stages; again, staying young can be a way of preparing for ageing.
The focus was on career choices, with most women saying they were not very conscious of
ageing at all as they were too busy trying to keep up with the demands of jobs, family and
personal concerns. Many recognised that they could be pulled in different directions in their
40s as work and family life changed and they sought to establish new balances.
Positive views of this transition were expressed in terms of “reaching 40 can be liberating as
have more confidence”, “be aware that this is your peak”, and “if you do start to think abut
ageing, think positively about what you can put in place”. Some looked to the experiences
of their mothers who are around 25 years older; the realisation that the next 20-30 years until
they reached their mother’s current age would go quickly reinforced a focus on the present
rather than looking to ageing in the future. Only a small minority of comments hinted at
less optimistic outlooks, mentioning becoming invisible and fear of an unknown future.
There was a cross-generational view that age groups were changing; 40 was no longer seen
as middle aged. One older respondent observed that looking back, she saw that for women
who were actively involved in the workforce, which was more likely now, thoughts about
ageing were farther removed.
Some respondents indicated that while not concerned about ageing at 40, they did recognise
that awareness would increase at later transitions. One younger respondent comments at the
different transitions were that she “would be much more aware (around 50) as health
problems started to arise”, then foresaw “an enormous change in lifestyle at retirement, as yet
unprepared”, by her 70s she “would need to be watchful of signs of physical and mental
health problems”, and “possible loss of independence after age 80 made many frightened”.
Another wrote that around 40, she was “not really thinking ahead”, but by her 50s, she
“expected to be coming more conscious, preparing a little and looking ahead”, and by her
60s, she would be “becoming very aware of needs and issues due to looking at others,
experiencing life with older people, and that some are planning and others are not”.
Health around 40
Outwards changes - wrinkles, going grey, being less physically flexible, needing glasses –
made women aware that they were ageing. These outward changes did not however prompt
steps to prepare for ageing, and in particular, several comments suggested that cosmetic anti-
ageing measures were not taken seriously.
Preparing for Ageing Project Report - October 2008 33
Emerging health concerns of weight gain, the onset of diabetes and being less active, were
widely recognised. Actions to address these issues included regular contact with general
practitioners, accessing screening programs, maintaining a healthy diet and exercise. While
all these measures contribute to healthy ageing, the focus was on maintaining health in the
present to keep up the pace of a busy lifestyle, which itself could leave little time for exercise
and relaxation. Respondents highlighted the importance of having the support of a good
general practitioner through major health events, such as breast cancer or difficult late
childbirth, and in establishing self management of other problems such as early and severe
arthritis.
Responses from the younger group indicated that they were more knowledgeable about
health problems occurring across the lifespan than older respondents, most of whom only
learned about particular problems when they experienced them. A number of older
respondents looked back on chronic health problems - asthma, breast cancer, severe food
allergies - that dated from their 40s and had negative effects on their health ever since. One
respondent now in her 60s said “I was wearing out fast even then.”
Few respondents raised mental health concerns, although those who did flagged depression
as a problem that could occur at any age. Onset of depression could be precipitated by a
mid-life crisis or family break up, and early detection was essential to restore health. Other
pressures on mental health came from stress at work and busy lives that left little time for
personal interests outside work and family.
Families and social networks around 40 Families of women in their 40s presented a very varied scene:
• Some were coming to terms with childlessness, often with regrets and depression, but
also acceptance, whatever the reason.
• Others were older first time mothers who found that “going to play groups with younger
mothers highlights age differences”.
• Others were dealing with difficult teenagers.
• Some were forming new families, adjusting to a second marriage after a decade of early
widowhood or divorce and managing as a single parent
• Those who had married and had children in their 20s were becoming empty nesters and
facing loneliness.
• A few were caring for an ageing parent or parent in law, and found it a bigger burden if
there were still teenagers at home. Awareness of family illnesses prompted these
respondents to have checks on their own health.
• A few women faced major adjustments when they had to deal with early retirement of
their husband due to disability and living on the disability pension.
This diversity of family structures and the transitions they demonstrate raised two sets of
wider issues that both have a bearing on preparing for ageing, but also explain why more
immediate concerns took priority. First, the potential for change in families was evident in
comments that many respondents made on the way that relationships could change at any
decade, especially through divorce or separation, or early widowhood, well before
Preparing for Ageing Project Report - October 2008 34
widowhood at a later age. Many expressed concerns about potential relationship failures,
and divorce in middle age, in long standing marriages, was seen as having very lasting
impacts, including lack of income and coming to terms with a future alone. Many
respondents said that it was only support from family and companionship from friends that
enabled them to see these changes through.
Second, whatever their family circumstances, women in their 40s had very busy lives. For
many with children, their social networks revolved around their family, and realising a better
work-life balance came a long way ahead of thinking about preparing for ageing.
Financial security around 40
Many younger respondents were aware that their 40s was the time to set up their retirement
finances and start putting money away. Women who were returning to work as their
children become independent were especially promoted to consider financial planning for
retirement at the same time.
But respondents also identified many factors that limited their capacity to save for retirement
in their 40s. Many were still paying off a mortgage and other demands on incomes were
associated with financing children’s education, a demand that could continue for many years
through tertiary studies. A further limitation that delayed action was a lack of knowledge
about what retirement would cost.
3.2.2 Around 50: Menopause
Attitudes around 50
The view that ageing was not at all on their minds in their 40s changed around 50 when
menopause was the first signal of ageing. It was a powerful signal, a point at which “reality
strikes”, that was widely recognised across all respondent groups. One respondent
expressed this signal succinctly “It is a time of heightened awareness of physical and mental
changes – a very key time for taking a longer term view”. Others commented that
becoming more aware of health issues meant that menopause was a time for them to review
their readiness for retirement and to work towards independence when they stopped working.
Making such a life review was a solution for those who felt that they were stuck in a rut. A
few respondents noted that early menopause had triggered thinking about ageing, but their
concerns were about finance more than health
Attitudes to menopause itself ranged from “thank heavens!” to expressions of panic, but most
recognised that while it could be quite a disturbing time with changing emotions and loss of
sexual urge, it was something that they would get through. A large number of diverse
comments were made about managing menopause. Older respondents pointed out that
menopause was much more openly discussed now than in the past, and this view was
supported by other respondents. Indeed, many commented that the excess of information on
symptoms of menopause and how to deal with them, much of it conflicting, had become a
problem. Lack of knowledge about how to minimise symptoms was a concern, with some
respondents reporting difficulties in recognising the extent of the impact of symptoms such
as hot flushes and emotional swings, and dealing with these symptoms.
Preparing for Ageing Project Report - October 2008 35
Getting early advice, especially through talking to other women, was widely recommended,
as was consulting with a sympathetic general practitioner who did not label women who
asked a lot of questions “neurotic”. Younger respondents wanted more women’s health
programs as a means to dealing with menopause, and GPs who were sensitive to problems
that may arise. Cultural issues were also raised; one women from an ethnic background said
“I was in the dark – did not know where to get practical advice” and others noted that some
health professionals from different background were reluctant to talk about menopause.
Several comments were made about HRT: they covered the need for information on HRT vs.
natural therapies, side effects that meant HRT was not for everyone, the media hype about
HRT, and inappropriate medication that could make matters worse
The experience of menopause varied from “uneventful” or “I did not suffer from it” to
comments focusing on sexuality, but as one respondents put it “everyone goes through it”.
Respondents recognised that they had less energy and were not as nimble as they used to be,
and that it was harder to loose weight, but also emphasised capacity for an active and
enjoyable life, including sex life.
The experience of menopause was compounded by other major life events such as death of a
parent, divorce or widowhood, and other relationship adjustments. Respondents who faced
these events noted that being at work and having supportive colleagues helped them find new
strengths and they welcomed being able to make their own decisions.
Health around 50
Many respondents commented that menopause and its consequences such as increased risks
of osteoporosis should not dominate over awareness of other health risks. Many comments
were made to the effect that instead of attributing all changes in their health to the
menopause, women and their doctors had to recognise and investigate problems by checking
for signs of heart disease, too high or too low blood pressure, continuing mammograms and
screening for other cancers.
Research findings on heart
disease in mid-aged women
Guillemin 2004
A sample of 125 women aged 49-54 who self reported heart disease was selected from the ALSWH and interviewed to investigate gendered aspects of diagnosis and management of their condition. 25% had been diagnosed with ischaemic heart disease and most of these had had a heart attack and most had two or more risk factors. Fully 81% of the heart attack victims did not however recognise their symptoms as cardiac related and delays in diagnosis were evident in some cases. Both the women themselves and their health care practitioners has gendered views of the risk of cardiac disease. Doctors perceived that these women were too young to be having a heart attack, and much rehabilitation material was directed to older patients. While 57% of the women recognised that both men and women are at risk of heart disease, others indicated the stereotypical view that heart disease primarily affected middle aged and overweight men. Information on heart disease needed to be reviewed with regard to representing women as victims of heart disease themselves rather than primarily as responsible for maintaining their spouses’ cardiac health.
Preparing for Ageing Project Report - October 2008 36
Particular attention had to be given to testing for conditions such as late onset diabetes that
became common around age 50 but which could be easily masked by post-menopausal
changes. Rather than accepting weight gain as normal, one respondent highlighted the
musculoskeletal problems that could follow and other risks of uncontrolled weight gain that
lead to obesity. Problems of poor eyesight and hearing that could reduce enjoyment of life
also needed to be addressed.
Exercise and healthy living were identified as the means to maintaining health through the
50s; low cost community group options as an alternative to more costly gyms, and natural
remedies as alternatives to medication were flagged.
Very few respondents raised mental health concerns: apart from more fatigue, increased risk
of mental health problems was noted ahead of actual experience of these problems.
While women’s awareness of health problems and action to address them in their 50s went
well beyond the menopause, the focus was on the more immediate post-menopausal period
rather than longer term preparation for ageing. The overall view of health at this time was
summed up by the comment that women in their 50s should “Take care of health but don’t
become obsessed”.
Families and social networks around 50
While fewer responses commented on changes in families occurred around age 50, the
changes that did occur often raised awareness of ageing. Those who were in good health
could enjoy most these changes and ageing per se was not seen as an issue.
Becoming a grandparent was a very welcome transition; grandchildren added another
dimension to life and respondents felt they needed to be healthy to enjoy grandchildren and
participate in their activities. This focus on the present rather than the future is consistent
with perspectives on other transitions that place preparing for ageing in the background.
While a common sentiment was that “grandchildren are a joy”, some respondents
commented that they could also increase financial and mental burdens if women were caring
for grandchildren full-time so their parents could work. This theme became even more
pronounced as retirement approached.
Three other changes in family roles that usually occur in sequence saw children moving away
and leaving empty nesters, and leading to loneliness for some, becoming a carer of an
elderly parent, and the death of parents. The last event was a trigger for reassessing roles in
the family, for attending to legal matters such as making a will and an Advance Care
Directive, and ensuring that next of kin were informed about future informed decisions.
Financial security around 50
Far fewer comments were made about financial security around age 50 than at either around
age 40 or around age 60. The comments that were made recognised financial planning as an
important part of preparing for ageing. It should be noted that all respondents in this age
group were working, the majority full-time, and so were possibly in a better position
financially than the wider population of women of this age.
Preparing for Ageing Project Report - October 2008 37
There was a recognition of the need to plan for money and activity in retirement before
leaving work, and that having an income from part time employment was good for self-
esteem as well as for financial security. Attending retirement planning seminars was
identified by a handful of respondents as a means of preparing for financial security, with
further comments emphasising the need for independent and free financial advice at such
seminars.
The only other financial matter noted was about continuing ability to fund private health
insurance premiums.
The limited concerns expressed by respondents about financial security in their 50s contrast
with research findings from the Australian Longitudinal Women’s Health Study summarised
below. Compared to the ALSWH, a much higher proportion of the respondents in their 50s
were in the paid workforce, 85% compared to 65%, and hence are likely to be more
financially secure. However, although most of the retired transition group of respondents
were older than the mid-aged women (aged 53-58) in the ALSWH in 2004, the factors
affecting their retirement decision and their concerns about financial security in retirement
echo many of the experiences found to be associated with financial insecurity in the
ALSWH.
Research findings
on financial security
in mid life
Warner-Smith, Powers & Hampson
This report focuses on the experiences of paid work and planning for retirement of women aged 53-58 at the time of the 4
th ALSWH survey in 2004. Trends in entry to and
exit from the workforce over time among this cohort, and the associations of these trends with health point to very considerable diversity in the transition to retirement. Two thirds were not yet retired, and continued workforce participation was associated with being separated or divorced, having more occupational or educational qualifications, and not having dependent children still at home. There was considerable uncertainty about age of retirement, and whether retirement would be possible at the preferred age: only 10% thought they would retire before 60 although 30% wanted to. Those in lower status occupations had less definite ideas about when they expected to retire. Women’s own health and their financial security were the two most important factors affecting decisions to retire and they were equally important. More of those who continued to work expected to need some income support from government when they retired compared to women who had retired. Women who were currently partners were less likely, and women working in low status occupations were more likely to expect to need government income support. Those who expected to be able to call on other sources of retirement income had better physical and mental health than those who expected to be reliant on government funding. Analysis of movements in and out of the workforce in the four waves of surveys between 1996 and 2004 found complex interactions. Compared to women who were in paid work over all this time, women who had left the workforce and retired early were more likely to have difficulty in managing on available income, to be providing care for someone, to have a partner who had retired in the preceding year, to rarely feel rushed and to have seen a general practitioner more often. The findings of the study highlight the precarious financial situation of many women in their 50s, and the associations between being in paid work and better health.
Preparing for Ageing Project Report - October 2008 38
3.2.3 Around 60: Retirement
Attitudes around 60
Retirement was a diverse and changing transition, with differences in experiences between
the older and transitions groups, and different expectations on the part of the younger group.
Some younger respondents were of the view that the changing nature of retirement for
women was not widely recognised at a societal level even though many more women were
continuing to work until they were in their 60s. Retirement was even becoming a transition
that some younger respondents did not expect to face: their comments to this effect ranged
from “still working and loving it – retirement is still in the future” and “not really planning to
retire – will combine part time work with volunteering” to “in denial - not going to retire”.
Respondents overall were aware that retirement would bring, or had brought, real changes in
their lifestyle and that they needed to adapt to these changes. Many commented that they
became more aware of ageing at this time for many reasons, some because they needed to
continue working, others because of health problems. There was however little indication
that most respondents felt they had or would face difficulties in making the transition to
retirement.
Some tension was apparent between making adjustments in some areas of life and
maintaining stability in others. Loss of some roles was anticipated or had been experienced;
respondents reported feeling a loss of purpose in life on giving up professional roles, a shock
and loss of energy and reluctance to be involved in other activities. One respondent said “Be
prepared for a sudden feeling of not being needed, but it soon passes”. This positive attitude
was expressed by others who saw retirement as bringing freedom; those who were looking to
taking life a bit easier or who were enjoying life more in retirement were focused on making
the most of this time of life, for themselves and with their partner.
Financial circumstances was the area in which there was the widest recognition that
retirement would bring or had brought changes. Several comments indicated that financial
changes could compound other changes: “need to feel worthwhile but facing financial
issues”, “not seeming very useful to anyone once come out of the workforce and particularly
if finance is a problem”. One younger respondent thought that stopping working would
mean a loss of independence, especially financial independence.
The nature of retirement means that for most, it is something that can be planned for, and
planning was seen as a good way of dealing with problems that might arise. Planning by
way of making purposeful changes in routine and having a definite program in life was
recommended as the means to making retirement a relaxed and enjoyable time, and avoiding
depression and feelings of rejection. Flexibility in approaching retirement was seen as
highly desirable, and a switch to part time work was the main step that gave such flexibility.
Anticipating and planning in advance on all fronts – physical and social activity, family and
social networks – involved planning with a small ‘p’. No respondents mentioned formal
Retirement Planning other than in the context of financial planning as discussed below.
Preparing for Ageing Project Report - October 2008 39
Research findings on retirement
expectations
Onyx & Baker 2006
A survey of ~200 members of a public sector super fund found that 23% intended to retire at 55 and 36% at 60; women with partners intended to retire about 2 years earlier than men or women without partners. Only 7% intended working until 65. Only 23% began planning retirement income in their 40s, but 46% began in their 50s (indicates need for accelerated savings plans). The main reason for retirement was a sense of “it’s time” 74%, and 86% wanted to do things other than work and have more time for family (80%). There were no differences in reasons for retirement by gender. If given totally free choice, half would still retire at the same age, but 29% earlier and 24% later, but again no gender differences. There were many significant gender differences in planned retirement activities. Women were much more likely to intend studying, especially if they had no partner, and in creative pursuits, in community, voluntary or political life, indicating interest in volunteering, and reading. Retirement was viewed positively, in line with a model of retirement as a new beginning. While there were some marked gender differences, there were similarities in many areas, and having a partner moderated gender differences. Evidence of a new story about women’s retirement is emerging.
Health around 60 Approaching or recent retirement was a trigger to recognising health concerns and acting to
address them, and the number of comments on health concerns peaked at this transition. It
was a time to “do everything to keep fit so can enjoy retirement when it comes”. Action was
likely in three areas:
• Actively pursuing a healthy lifestyle and fitness by taking more exercise and maintaining
a healthy diet; one respondent mentioned yoga, other “started walking every morning
after retirement – had time at last”. A longer term time horizon was also evident in some
responses that saw exercise as a means to remaining supple, warding off falls and hip
problems. Even one obviously active respondent was more aware of ageing, noting the
need to be “more cautious when skiing and mountain climbing – body slower to heal
after cuts and breaks”. Recognition that the cost of previously expensive physical
activities could be a worry prompted respondents to look for other ways to be active and
have fun, such as walking with local groups.
• Having hearing and sight tests, and searching for low cost options for care in these areas
and dental care.
• Having regular GP check-ups for problems that could have severe effects if left
undetected: cardiovascular disease, skin cancer and diabetes were highlighted.
Research findings on hearing and
vision impairment
Lind, Hickson & Worrall. 2003.
Among a sample of 240 self selected community dwelling older people aged 60-93, people with sensory losses were found to have more intense networks with fewer contacts outside their immediate inner circle, but neither objectively measured sensory loss nor self reported sensory difficulties were associated with significant change in network size which averaged 16 contacts. Those with both vision and hearing loss (19%) did however report fewer frequent contacts.
Preparing for Ageing Project Report - October 2008 40
Mental health concerns, and the associations between mental and physical health, were also
identified more often than at the earlier transitions. Some respondents reported that wanting
to work but not being physically able to do heavier tasks lead to psychological problems and
a loss of self worth. The risks of isolation, lower self esteem, depression and other mental
health problems were seen to increase at retirement, especially if the transition did not
proceed as planned. Self help approaches to avoiding both mental health problems were
proposed, as was the case for maintaining physical health.
Research findings on
well-being in retirement
Quine, Wells, de Vaus & Kendig. 2008
A follow up study of a panel of 601 people who retired in 1998-99, selected from a survey of 7,000 mature age workers investigate how choice in retirement affected subsequent well-being. 47% of the sample were women. Lack of choice and involuntary retirement was most strongly associated with being made redundant and other workplace factors, followed by age, poor health and spouse retirement. High choice was strongly associated with positive well being since retiring on a wide range of outcomes and low choice was strongly associated with negative perceptions of changes in health, physical activity, social activity, diet, happiness and marital satisfaction since retirement. Negative psychological and emotional consequences of being forced to retire persisted for some time after retirement. The conditions under which retirement occurs, and the bounded choices shaping decisions are important in predicting adjustment to retirement and well-being, particularly immediately after retirement. High choice was associated with older age, indicating that early retirement was often less a matter of choice, with being financially and psychologically ready to retire, and low on work ethic notwithstanding satisfaction with work life. Child care responsibilities (by way of grand-parenting) were also associated with less choice. Low choice individuals appear to be trapped in having to continue to work in unsatisfying conditions or experience unsatisfying retirement.
Families and social networks around 60 Three changes in families reported around age 60 gave many illustrations of the observation
that “It isn’t always the physical ageing process that has to be negotiated through life, but
often the concomitant process of social adjustments that continue throughout life.”
The change that had the greatest impact on respondents’ lives was their partners’ retirement
as relationships changed when both were at home. Some respondents described having to
adapt to unwanted changes in partners’ circumstances and partners who were not handling
retirement well. Respondents commented that while doing some things together was a way
of coping with a partner’s intensified needs, it was equally important to have interests of their
own, and to have family and friends close by for ready contact. The focus on spouses was
intensified by losses of family members, older members through death and younger members
leaving home and moving away, although a few still had adult children on their hands.
Expansion of families came by way of grandchildren. Caring for grandchildren was mostly
very fulfilling, but some hinted that it could come to occupy too much space and again, there
was a need to have their own interests. It was only child-minding by grandmothers that
allowed many adult daughters to work and these respondents very much saw themselves as
part of “working families” and questions of work-life balance spanned both generations.
Caring for ageing parents could also be demanding but fulfilling, and in most cases occurred
only after children had reached adulthood and were independent.
Preparing for Ageing Project Report - October 2008 41
While most respondents adjusted positively, the retirement transition did present some with
major challenges by way of choices over where they wanted to live, in some cases driven by
deteriorating health of a partner, older parents or other relatives. Moving as part of the
retirement transition was usually a move of choice and those who made a move often saw it
as a preparation for ageing, taking the opportunity to combine a move to a favoured locality
with down-sizing and moving closer to family and/or friends.
Research findings on retirement relocation
Barr & Russell 2007
This study of social capital among older residents in three coastal resort areas surveyed 103 residents. Average time living in the area was 14 years, and was longer for older residents. There was no association between how long residents had lived in the area and proximity to close relatives; two out of three reported that their closest relative lived more than 50km away or interstate. The great majority were married and lived only with their spouse, but these proportions were higher for men and younger ages: the proportion living alone increased from 4% of men aged 60-64 to 32% of women at age 80-84. Similar age and gender gradients were evident in use of independent transport, going out and activities, but these differences were less pronounced for feelings of safety and being able to get help. Around 90% of men and women in both younger and older age groups reported belonging to clubs (although only just over half attended regularly), feeling safe at home and after dark, and being able to get help from family and friends. It was concluded that those living in a retirement resort area had continuing strong bonds with family even at a distance and built strong new networks with friends. But very older women were more vulnerable to circumstances of reduced social capital through widowhood, loss of friends, living alone and less access to independent transport.
It was only at the retirement transition that social networks outside the family became a topic
for comment, and they became very important. Respondents thought it was essential to
develop interests and activities before retiring, and to maintain established social networks
which were often connected with physical activity. Keeping up interests outside the home
and outside work meant that in retirement, women did not have to rely on their husband and
family for their social scene and keeping mentally and physically active. Other options for
building up social networks involved finding new activities, connecting with new groups and
picking up old hobbies when retirement gave time to enjoy them.
Involvement with others, whether grandchildren or through volunteer work was widely seen
as the best way of combating feelings of loss of purpose that might be experienced on
retirement. Looking back at 70, one respondent said “I never retired from the work I did
with voluntary organizations.”
Research findings on
paid and unpaid work
Merkes & Wells 2003
This study compared samples of 1,359 baby boom women (aged 50-65) and 1,707 older women on unpaid caring work and volunteering. 17% of the former and 21% of the later group women were involved in volunteering, but this difference disappeared once hours of work were taken into account. There was no difference between the groups in future interest in volunteering, but those who were already volunteering at any age were 2.5 time more likely to indicate future interest in volunteering more than those who were not volunteering, suggesting continuity of involvement. Good health and higher education were associated with future interest in volunteering but not any other factors including country of birth or marital status. Having more time was a main predictor once hours of work were taken into account. Motivations for voluntary work included a sense of caring for family and community, meaningful and useful activities in later life and giving something back to the community.
Preparing for Ageing Project Report - October 2008 42
Financial security around 60 There was growing realisation of the importance of financial security around age 60, on the
part of women who were still working and those who had retired. While the common view
was that finances should be organised by this age, other comments made it equally apparent
that not all had been able to prepare for financial security in retirement or had adequate
superannuation, and that economic circumstances could change, sometimes dramatically,
around the time of retirement.
Those who were still working were most likely to recognise the need to set themselves up
financially by building up their superannuation, and some continued to work for this express
purpose. Working longer was seen by many as a means to financial security, especially if
they had little opportunity to save earlier on.
Those who had retired expressed concerns as to how well their finances would last and were
starting to plan their finances for life in retirement. Some thought about moving and down-
sizing, and were looking at the availability of more suitable housing as a means of stretching
resources. Several respondents commented that financial preparation did not end at
retirement but continued through to having enough financial knowledge regarding options for
drawing on superannuation and the best options for investment once they took out their
super. Economic preparations by way of getting information and putting finances in order
could be stressful as risks had to be faced.
A number of respondents reported very difficult situations of having lost their job before they
wanted to retire and finding it very hard to regain employment in a workforce environment
that often dismissed this age group. Others had little savings or assets due to long term low
incomes, and for some, divorce or poor health had set their retirement plans awry. Post
retirement solutions involved learning how to economise, or down-sizing as part of a lower
cost lifestyle.
Just as financial security gave some certainty for the future, lack of money was a cause of
stress, and anxieties arose about finances for the future and fear of not having enough money
to live on. “The thought of no more pay packets is scary” is how one respondent summed
up these fears.
Many of the current transition generation will come to rely on at least a part Age Pension as
they do not have a long superannuation history or large balances, and the single Age Pension
was widely viewed as inadequate.
3.2.4 Around 70: Widowhood
Attitudes around 70
Older respondents were very aware of impacts of widowhood as they had experienced it
directly, and many of the transition and younger groups had seen the impact on an older
parent.
Despite the loss, grief and loneliness associated with widowhood, attitudes showed an
acceptance of a change in lifestyle, with support from family, friends and services enabling
this transition. While not something that could be planned for, several comments
highlighted an underlying recognition of widowhood as a normal part of ageing: respondents
wrote “from the time you marry, you are aware that this will happen to one of you” and “no-
Preparing for Ageing Project Report - October 2008 43
one plans for widowhood, and you hope it does not happen for a long time, but you know
that it will and you accept it”.
Those who were still married focused on enjoying life with their partner and many faced the
prospect of widowhood after a long marriage with equanimity, seeing it as presenting
opportunities to learn a new way of living. While widowhood is not part of the life course of
women who had never married, respondents reported many other losses, such as the death of
a close sibling, that had similar impacts and that required similar adjustments.
This transition was a time for reflection on the past and the future. Several respondents
commented that they became aware of mortality, that nearing the end of life was a very real
prospect. For some, their faith was a source of support in coming to terms with their own
death or the death of another.
Health around 70
Having recognised that they were now ageing, respondents reported that they were in good
health. Typical comments were “I’m over 70, have a few stiff joints but otherwise well, no
medication, keep walking”, “I have no problem with ageing – a bit slower but still do
everything I want the same as when younger”.
As major life events, widowhood and similar late life losses were recognised as bringing
changes in dependence and interaction based on lifetime partnerships and relationships that
imposed stresses on health, especially mental health.
Respondents recognised increased risks of a range of physical health problems, noting
osteoporosis and falls, heart problems and changes in blood pressure, and the need to adopt
preventative measures. This transition was a time to have checks on all areas of health, and
health providers needed to be alert to early signs of depression and isolation that could follow
widowhood and other losses. Loss of hearing was specifically noted as having an impact on
social life.
Research findings on
coronary heart
disease at 70+
Harris, Giles, Finucane & Andrews. 2007
In a random sample of 1,075 SA residents aged 70 years and older, 58% were women, and 15% of women had CHD compared to 24% of men., difference greater at 70-74 but less over 75. The lower prevalence compared to other Australian studies may be due to the diagnostic criteria used. Women were at lower risk of CHD than men but the same risk factors were identified. It was noted that the population aged 70 and over are also a survivor population without those who have died from CHD at earlier ages.
Mental health problems as a consequence of widowhood and other losses were raised much
more frequently at this transition, but often expressing how respondents had come to terms
with the risks of isolation and the need for social support: “being on my own for the first time
was a major challenge”, “being alone was a whole new, positive experience”. Interaction of
mental and physical health was widely recognised: “loneliness can lead to poor physical
health and neglect of diet”, “maintain exercise for both”, “need mental stimulation and
physical stimulation”.
Preparing for Ageing Project Report - October 2008 44
Research findings on well-being
at 70+
Smith, Young & Lee 2004
This study examined the relationship between psychological characteristics and self rated health in the cohort of 9,501 women aged 73-78 at the second wave of the ALSWH and the influence of socio-economic characteristics on these relationships. Optimism was associated with better general health, mental health, physical and social functioning, vitality, emotional and physical role performance and lower stress, but not with bodily pain. Positive hardiness was also related to these outcome measures. Socio-economic circumstances, social support, physical illness and access to health services contributed significantly to the variance in subjective health, indicating the need to take more account of the contextual factors to avoid over-estimating the effects of psychological factors on outcomes. As in other studies of older women, socio-economic status was not significantly related to well-being, but physical health, neighbourhood satisfaction and social support did contribute to well-being. A sense of optimism was likely to contribute to and arise from high levels of well-being. To the extent that optimism and hardiness in older women are learned, they need to be promoted at all stages of the life course. Experiences that have a negative effect on these psychological characteristics in the short-term may also lead to lower levels of well-being in older age.
Maintaining friendships as well as family contacts was important, and mixing with younger
people was a way of avoiding being maudlin. Involvement in the community and taking up
one’s own interests after the loss of a partner could bring relief. But the main remedy was
“time will heal”.
Finally two very different comments were made about health services: one raised concerns
about access to hospital care, the other saw value in phone support services for keeping in
touch with those who lived alone and could be at risk of isolation.
Families and social networks around 70
Women’s family roles often underwent considerable changes in their 70s. Prior to
widowhood, some had experienced a heavy load caring for their husband and needed carer
support to back up family. Women in this situation often only came to think about their own
health when this caring role came to an end.
Respondents at all ages recognised a good family network as the main source of support in
widowhood; some younger respondent noted that other family members may be aware of and
want to discuss issues of isolation and help more than the widowed parent realised. Those
without children were seen to be at greater risk of isolation, and a lack of grief support
services was identified.
Widowhood prompted respondents to think about whether they would stay in the family
home, which may have already been an empty nest for many years. Some made inquiries
about services available to help them stay in their own home while others considered the
possibility of moving to be closer to their family for support: “I started to listen to my
daughter’s suggestions to move closer to where she lives while I was still able to move.”
Transitions of widowhood and needing care could occur close together. Those who
experienced a loss of personal independence shortly after widowhood were likely to need
more support through both transitions.
Preparing for Ageing Project Report - October 2008 45
Research findings on widowhood
Feldman, Byles, Mishra & Powers. 2002
The heath and social needs of recently widowed women were investigated; the sample comprised 231 participants in the ALSWH who had been widowed in the three years prior to the survey. While most had remained in the family home, one in five had moved since being widowed. While most did not experience a worsening of financial status, the areas in which assistance was most often needed were financial matters, home repairs and maintenance, and legal advice. Post widowhood contact with GPs was reported to be very supportive and most had maintained or increased their social contact. 10 heath-related quality of life scores showed little change pre- and post widowhood, and the only statistically significant changes were a decline in physical functioning and improvements in emotional role functioning and better mental health scores. Coping and transition were persistent and recurring themes, particularly in relation to needs for support, networks and resources.
Financial security around 70
Widowhood brought two changes in financial matters. The first was taking on more
financial responsibilities, a task that was harder for women who had little personal
experience of managing their own affairs. Early preparation and using the skills that women
already had to manage financial affairs was seen as the best way of ensuring security and
being able to manage money independently, but where this had not occurred, advice could
come from family members, support groups and outside agencies.
The second change, and one that could be more difficult, was a shift to the single Age
Pension. Poverty was seen as a real risk and the experience of tightening of economic
circumstances and loss of financial support, in extreme cases requiring sale of the family
home, could lead to neglect of personal well-being, disengagement from the community and
more frequent medical problems. The importance of knowing about low cost services for
tasks that could be costly, such as home maintenance, was flagged.
3.2.5 Around 80: maintaining independence and accepting care
Attitudes around 80
Three main attitudes characterised responses about transitions around age 80.
First, it was at this age, not 40, that respondents thought they were ageing, or rather, had
reached a state of being aged: “at 79 you realise that you are ageing”.
Second, reaching 80 did not mean a transition to a passive old age but was a time at which
women could still make many active adjustments. One 92 year old respondent commented
that she had to re-establish herself following late widowhood, after a long period of caring
for an even older spouse; the many changes that ensued made her feel very acutely that “old
age had finally arrived”. Recognising that staying on one’s own home depended on the
suitability of the home, such adjustments included simplifying lifestyle by moving to a
smaller house and garden, or to a retirement village, and installing a personal security system
so that help could be summoned quickly if needed.
A strong emphasis on staying as independent as possible meant not only self care but having
a positive attitude to accepting care from others, whether family or formal services, when it
became necessary to have help. Respondents indicated that they were preparing for a time
when they might need help by letting others know their care preferences and making
Preparing for Ageing Project Report - October 2008 46
arrangements ahead of time; such advance care planning could include making a formal
Advance Care Directive.
Third, a sense of vulnerability was evident: respondents expressed their actual or anticipated
concerns about no longer being in control, losing authority in decision making, having to rely
on others, and not being sure what to do.
There was considerable diversity in experiences of needing care. A number of respondents
in their late 80s or 90s were still be caring for someone else, and not needing care; at the
same time, some who were caring for a spouse at a very advanced age realized that they were
not well prepared for this stage, with particular reference made to staying too long in housing
that was unsuitable rather than moving earlier. Those who were living alone also stated their
concerns about losing their independence: “I started to realise that I needed help at home at
80”.
Health around 80
While one respondent simply wrote “86 and still in independent living”, others identified a
long list of health problems that had come forward or were expected by this age: stroke, heart
disease, cancer, bone problems, diabetes, loss of mobility, loss of energy, incontinence, and
mental health problems, especially Alzheimer’s disease, but also boredom and isolation.
Dental and optical expenses were on-going at this age, and the need to continue prevention
programs, such as falls prevention, through to this age group was flagged. Respondents also
saw becoming very dependent, and dealing with death and dying, as raising physical and
mental health issues.
Notwithstanding these many problems, respondents reported that they continued to exercise
and emphasised thinking positively and keeping as healthy as possible, physically and
mentally. As one 30 year old respondent commented on her experiences with very old
people “old age seems to vary so much, some reach this age oblivious to the prospect of
ageing”.
It was only at this transition that care needs were mentioned, and as reported above, attitudes
to accepting care took precedent over other preparations. Thinking about needing care, one
respondent probably spoke for many in saying “we never believe this will happen to us, until
it does, and even then we are often in denial”. Positive actions that were mentioned
included finding out what is available locally, making oneself known to care services and
contacting new health professionals.
Agreeing to have help from others was seen as a way of maintaining independence, not
surrendering it. Some thought they would feel worthless when not able to look after
themself, but others welcomed the chance to be looked after for a change, and after a lifetime
of looking after others. A number of respondents reported that rehabilitation centres linked
to hospitals and other services available from councils and other agencies were very helpful.
Those who experienced slow recovery from injuries such as a hip fracture commented that
family and social support was as important as physical care.
Family relationships came to the fore in making preparations for care. Many respondents
based their comments on experience of their parents’ health problems in advanced old age,
some saying that this lead them to “an acceptance of the inevitability of needing care”. One
respondent recommended “talk to your family so that they and you are prepared”, another
said “I hope it will be reasonably managed without too much stress on my children”.
Preparing for Ageing Project Report - October 2008 47
Involving family in making arrangements beforehand, dealing with the bureaucracy of
getting care or help and having paperwork well and truly in place could relieve the stress of
the transition to care when it arose.
Finally, respondents recognised that ability to access suitable care, particularly nursing home
care, might depend on their economic situation and the support of family. Equally, attention
was drawn to the need for care to be respectful regardless of capacity to pay.
Families and social networks around 80
Family relationships changed again when women reached their 80s, and especially if they
came to need care. Family roles in preparing for ageing at this stage involved discussing
responsibilities for care, getting information for family carers, being aware of the need for
possible changes, and seeking help if it was needed. Some respondents also recognised that
the time had come for them to relinquish some responsibilities, including financial
responsibilities, to family members.
Other social networks also tended to shrink as friends as well as spouses died, and some
friends moved away. Although smaller, social networks could become stronger: the friends
who remained became more important as capacity to make new friends diminished.
Continued social involvement could be self affirming, and maintaining friendships could help
in adjusting to a new environment if care needs made this necessary. As one respondent put
it, she needed “company as well as care”.
Financial security around 80
Concerns about financial security did not go away around 80. Rather, the risk and
experience of poverty at this age were both very real.
There was also considerable concern about the cost of care should the need arise. Some felt
that they would have to make compromises in the care options they could choose unless they
had a lot of money. Those who were better off were concerned about the cost of care and
not being able to leave their home to their adult children. Respondents in their 50s and 60s
drew attention to the need to plan for their ageing parents, especially when the elderly parents
had limited resources and the adult children did not have enough money to help.
Those with no family, or where family relationships had been long absent, asked “Who will
look after you when you need care?”. There was widespread recognition of the role of
government assistance as well as family in aged care. A number of respondents at this age
expressed the view that preparing for ageing could not be left to individuals but society
needed to prepare for larger numbers of older people, and it would be easier for individuals
to prepare for ageing in a such a social context.
Preparing for Ageing Project Report - October 2008 48
3.3 Awareness and action for preparing for healthy ageing at different transitions
3.3.1 Views of preparing for ageing
Awareness of and actions taken for preparing for ageing at different transitions across the life
course suggests that respondents held two different views of preparing for ageing.
In one view, ageing was an on-going process rather than something that lay in the future, and
in the other, ageing was a future state of being aged.
While there was an awareness that actions taken at different transitions had implications for
health and well-being in later life, these actions were rarely seen in terms of preparing for
ageing. As well as identifying some health concerns that continued across almost all the
transitions and others that arose more at one transition than another, there was a strong
recognition of the relationships between physical and mental health. More than seeing
health issues in terms of preparing for ageing however, respondents’ primary interest was
being in good health whatever their age. Although generally aware of the longer term
benefits of health actions, preparing for ageing was very rarely identified as a primary
motivation for taking action at any ages. These findings suggest that messages urging
health action to prepare for healthy ageing have little resonance and that the emphasis needs
to shift to ‘health now and for the future’.
Financial security was the main area in which preparation could be made well in advance for
the future state of being aged. The prospect of reduced income was widely recognised, as
was the need for early action to realise financial security over the long term, and the risks of
financial insecurity came into much clearer focus as retirement approached. Rather than
indicating that respondents who were close to retiring or who had recently retired had left
their preparations too late, the findings reflect the many factors that limited their capacity to
prepare for financial security as early or as well as they might wish to. While it was also
recognised that the higher level of sustained workforce participation among the younger
group in particular had the potential to make for a very different experience of financial
security in retirement, it was equally evident that many other factors would affect their
capacity to realise this potential.
Family relationships and wider social networks influence many aspects of ageing as a
process, with different life courses set early on for those who were single and childless, those
who were married but without children, and those who had children. Experiences of ageing
across the generations, such as widowhood of a parent or caring for a frail parent, were
commonly identified as shaping views of ageing, but often with a caveat recognising
generational change. Preparing for ageing and especially for possible future needs for care
meant involving family informally in discussions and making them aware of wishes and
preferences, and formally by way of attending to wills, Advance Care Directives and other
legal matters.
Preparing for Ageing Project Report - October 2008 49
Research findings on
expectations and plans
for retirement
Quine, Bernard & Kendig 2006
Expectations and plans for retirement were investigated through semi-structured discussion covering a common set of topics in 12 focus groups, 6 of women only, 5 of men only and 1 mixed, all had been in the paid workforce and most were still employed, about half of them full time. Staying in the workforce was important for economic security in retirement, but other reasons and incentives for staying varied, and gender differences were evident as well as SES differences. Males in full time, low SES employments reported least enjoyment from work. Work gave structure to life, and the need to restructure life in retirement was widely recognised. Stress was reported as a reason for leaving work by self employed men, with high SES and working full time, and by low SES women who faced competing roles and who had less control over their working hours or conditions. Lower SES workers had far less option to scale down their work, and were disadvantaged by age and disability; they has less control over planning for retirement and were more dissatisfied about their work and future prospects. For high SES men, age meant experience and more active planning for retirement. Few under age 55 had made any plans, for any SES group. Many older subjects also felt they would manage on a reduced income, again regardless of SES. Some high SES respondents felt uncertainty in the long run, and low SES respondents called on government to take more responsibility. Private health insurance was rejected by many on the grounds that they had paid their taxes, that it was a government responsibility and it was too costly, and none were satisfied with private health insurance, especially gaps in cover. Few had planned for retirement and none had thought about very old age, and did not want to. As well as SES, age affected likelihood of planning, but gender differences were not marked. There was a strong sense of unfairness among all participants that they had not been given the opportunity to accumulate more superannuation, and self funded retirees were especially sensitive to possible future changes in the pension rules.
3.3.2 Signals for preparing for ageing
The varying attention given to attitudes, health, family and social networks, and financial
security at different transitions demonstrates the changing balance of concerns over the life
course. The responses reported above show the multiplicity of factors that interact to
produce great diversity at each transition, but the predominant shifts in concerns can
nonetheless be summarised as in the matrix in Table 3.1. Reading across each row shows the
balance of concerns at each transition, with the main concerns highlighted in bold, while
reading down each column gives a picture of the shifts in each concern through the
transitions.
This matrix enables identification of a number of critical points at which awareness of the
need to prepare for ageing was heightened and at which action was more likely to be taken.
While these points were triggered by signals of ageing in one area, there was often a flow
over effect that prompted respondents to reflect on and review action in other areas of their
lives.
• Around age 40, rejoining the workforce when children started school was the first point
at which many younger women became aware of saving for retirement. Younger women
appeared to be more aware of saving for retirement than those in the 50s, suggesting that
compulsory superannuation may have come to be taken for granted. The regular contact
between funds and contributors over a long period however makes superannuation a
vehicle through which other aspects of preparing for ageing could be promoted at
appropriate times, and especially for those who had interrupted employment.
Preparing for Ageing Project Report - October 2008 50
Table 3.1: Transitions, changing concerns and awareness of preparing for ageing
Transition Attitudes Health Families and social networks
Financial security
Around 40
Reaching middle age
Ageing not on your mind at 40 – too busy with other things
Want to be healthy at 40, but competing demands on time leave little time for exercise
Very diverse family circumstances – facing childlessness, having first child, having last child, establishing a new second family. Stresses of work-life balance a major concern.
Aware of need to save for retirement, but a number of barriers. Awareness of setting up super heightened if returning to work after having children.
Around 50 Menopause
“Reality strikes”
Menopause prompts a review of health on a much wider front. Recognition of inter-relationships of physical and mental health.
Empty nesters. Many involved in caring for grandchildren so their mothers especially can work; need to recognise grandparents’ roles as part of working families.
Little attention to preparing for financial security across this decade.
Around 60
Retirement
Positive attitudes to retirement as a new phase of life, Major upsets to retirement plans may be hard to overcome in short or long term.
Action taken on exercise, diet, health checks etc., for good health in immediate future, not for future ageing. Major health events for self or partner that lead to retirement ahead of plan are one cause of disruption.
Empty nesters, with care roles much more likely to be for grandchildren than children still at home, and some caring for ageing parents.
Approaching retirement focuses attention on incomes in retirement, adjusting to lower incomes and realisation of risks associated with lower incomes.
Around 70 Widowhood
Time for life review and reflection, coming to terms with widowhood and other losses.
More attention to mental health emerges.
Family support very important in coping with losses. Those without family may need more support.
Have to take on more financial responsibility for which many in the current generation may not be well prepared.
Around 80 Needing
care
Accepting care from others seen as part of maintaining independence.
Aware of risks of a wide range of major health problems. Need for care only recognised at this transition
Involving family in preparing ahead for care arrangements and making wishes known.
Need for financial security does not diminish. Some concerns about cost of care and choice if without income.
Preparing for Ageing Project Report - October 2008 51
• Around age 50, menopause was widely recognized as the first signal of ageing, and it was
described as a powerful signal, a point at which “reality strikes”. Considerable attention
was given to physical and mental health at this time, but other aspects of preparing for
ageing, particularly financial preparation, appeared to receive less notice.
• Around age 60, even though retirement experiences were diverse, it was the transition
that was most widely planned for, almost always through informal rather than formal
planning. There was widespread recognition of the need to maintain health to enjoy
retirement, that adjustments in relationships were likely and that financial security was
essential. While attitudes to retirement were positive overall, risks in any of these areas
could jeopardize well-being in both the short and long term.
• Around age 70, widowhood or the death of other close associates was associated with
reflection and life review, and presented an opportunity for taking stock for the future
• It was only around 80 that care needs were mentioned, and as reported above, attitudes to
accepting care took precedent over other preparations.
Finally, two further factors emerged as affecting preparing for ageing across all transitions,
and these factors contribute to both the variability of women’s experience of life course
transitions and their capacity to prepare for ageing.
First, events that brought disruptions to individual women’s expectations and broadly
normative transitions had major and long lasting impacts over the rest of the life course.
Such events included mid-life divorce, early widowhood or untimely death of other close
associated, severe illness and disability on the part of the woman herself or a partner. There
was a strong sense that most respondents got through such disruptions, some better than
others, but at the same time, recognition of their long-lasting effects prompted a concern that
those who experienced such disruptions needed more support in preparing for ageing.
Capacity to manage and recover from a crisis is one element of social inclusion, and
preparing for ageing calls attention to the need to look at outcomes over the longer term
rather than just immediate crisis management. A study of older women who had assumed
custodial responsibility for grandchildren demonstrates the effects of what is an exceptional
situation and one that has long term consequences.
Research findings on custodial
grand-parenting
Orb & Davey 2005
This focus group study of grandparents who had custody of their grandchildren identified nine themes that indicated how this intensive form of grand-parenting differed from both other grand-parenting and parenting. This exceptional form of grand-parenting contrasted with normative patterns. Grandparents’ lifestyles changed; their ‘dreams went out the window’ and social lives were curtailed. Their main concern was the future for the grandchildren, especially in the light of parent’s problems. The conclusions indicate confusion and tension around the extent to which grandparents wanted to be recognised as parents, and in government treatments of them as parents. The need for counselling and other support services to address these tensions is not well addressed as this group are not sufficiently recognised in policies and programs. While becoming a grandparent is valued by society, grandparents becoming parents is less positively perceived by those concerned because it is unexpected and unrelieved.
Preparing for Ageing Project Report - October 2008 52
Second, it is very evident that awareness of and attitudes to ageing have a pervading effect on
the need to and likelihood of taking action to prepare for ageing at different transitions. It is
however far too facile to say that there is then a need to increase awareness and change
attitudes to preparing for ageing. Given the many other concerns on women’s minds
through different transitions, it is apparent that many such messages are not salient and are
unlikely to lead to action. Instead, attention might better be directed to the points at which
awareness of ageing is heightened by one or other factor and prompting review and responses
across a wider range of areas to fill what appear to be some conspicuous gaps in preparing
for ageing. By way of example, while menopause prompted a wide ranging review of
health, the 50s seemed to be a decade in which little attention was paid to preparing for
financial security. It may be that for the majority of women who are in the workforce feel
complacent and leave financial preparation to their own compulsory superannuation or their
partner’s. Rather than leaving action to individuals, there is also a case for social action such
as increasing the level of compulsory superannuation; an increase from age 50 could in turn
serve to heighten awareness of other actions that might be taken to prepare for ageing and to
reduce the risks of reduced income and consequent marginalisation and social exclusion in
retirement and beyond.
Research findings on
socio-economic
gradients in mid-aged and older women’s
health
Mishra. Ball, Dobson & Byles 2004
Changes in women’s well-being and use of health services over two waves of the ALSWH at a three year interval were examined in relation to socio-economic status (SES) and age. Data for 12,328 mid aged women (45-50) and 10,430 older women (70-75) were analysed. There were consistent gradients between SES and health scores in both cohorts in both survey waves. Better health was also related to lower use of health services, with the exception of hospital doctor consultations by older women in the second survey. SES-related differences in health outcomes were lower among the older cohort than the younger cohort, but the differences in all cases were greater for lower compared to higher SES women. Over time, lower SES mid-aged women had significantly greater declines in health outcomes of physical functioning, general health perceptions and pain but among older women, there was no significant relationship between SES and change in health outcomes. Declines in health over time among lower SES women were associated with more GPs visits in both cohorts, and older lower SES older women had significantly higher mortality. The findings suggest that SES related differentials in health outcomes widen in mid-age women but diminish among older women. One explanation for reduction in health differentials among older compared to mid-aged women is that the associations between health and SES circumstances are weaker among older people due to reductions in disparities in income and increased access to subsidised health care. This explanation was seen to be more tenable than alternative explanations of the older cohort being more homogenous or the effects of selective mortality. The changing gradients in health and SES across the lifespan point to scope for interventions at critical points to prevent widening of existing health disparities.
Preparing for Ageing Project Report - October 2008 53
4. Laying the foundations for healthy ageing
4.1 Diet, weight and exercise
4.1.1 Risk factors
While specifically women’s health issues, notably breast and cervical cancer, justifiably
attract considerable attention, the major causes of chronic illness, disability and death are the
same for women and men: heart disease, stroke and dementia outstrip breast cancer and other
women’s cancers as causes of disability and death. The main risk factors are also the same
for women and men: poor diet, being overweight and lack of exercise. The Australian
Institute of Health and Welfare cites data from the latest National Health Survey showing
that high proportions of women reported these three risk factors:
• 84% consumed inadequate fruit and vegetables
• 45% were overweight or obese
• 33% did not undertake sufficient physical activity.
While most women are aware that diet, weight and exercise are important to health now and
into the future, the evidence shows that rather than diminishing, these problems are becoming
more widespread. Rather than being the experience of a small minority, the adverse
consequences of poor diet, overweight and lack of exercise will increasingly be experienced
by the majority of women as they age unless urgent action is taken.
While still a major risk factor, smoking is far less common among women than men and has
declined steadily over time, with less than 20% of women now smoking. The impacts of
alcohol and drug abuse are severe for those who engage in these risk behaviours, but very
small proportions of women do so to dangerous levels.
Variations in life expectancy and well-being at older ages are the result of barriers to healthy
ageing that women have experienced at different times earlier in their lives, and the survey
sought to investigate the nature and strength of these barriers.
Research findings on risk factors and socio-economic position
Lawlor, Tooth, Lee & Dobson. 2005
Relationships between socio-economic position (SEP) and cardio-vascular risk factors were investigated in a three cohorts of women in the ALSWH. SEP was measured by education, occupation and ability to cope on current income and risk factors were smoking, obesity and physical inactivity. Overall, adverse risk factors were lower among the most advantaged women, but some distinct cohort differences were evident. Among the oldest women (70-75), smoking were associated with high educational attainment, but the opposite was found mid-aged and younger women. High SEP older women were least likely to be physically inactive, but in mid-aged and younger cohorts, education had little effect on physical inactivity, and mid aged women were more likely than younger women to be physically inactive at all levels of education levels. The differences in smoking behaviour reflect historic patterns of tobacco use in Australia, but the evidence of social class cross-overs suggests that socio-economic inequalities in health outcomes are not as entrenched as may have been thought and as well as addressing risk behaviours among disadvantaged groups, socio-economic inequalities need to be directly addressed to improve health outcomes.
Preparing for Ageing Project Report - October 2008 54
4.1.2 Barriers to healthy ageing
The survey asked respondents whether they experienced 13 common barriers to healthy
ageing. The results in Table 4.1 show some consistent and interesting patterns depending on
whether particular barriers were concerned with knowledge, with personal behaviours or with
wider social structures.
The survey asked respondents to rate the barriers that they saw women generally facing as
well as the barriers they faced themselves. Respondents consistently saw others facing
greater barriers than they did themselves but these responses are not reported in detail as it is
not possible to determined whether this difference reflects real differences between
respondents and the wider population or whether it is simply due to attributing more
problems to others.
Barriers to adopting a healthy diet
With 82% reporting that lack of information on healthy foods was not a barrier, it is evident
that there is little need to increase knowledge of healthy foods. In contrast, around half
identified the behavioural barrier of changing eating habits, and the structural barrier of
difficulties of buying healthy basic foodstuffs.
More women acknowledged barriers in this area compared to diet. Around two out of three
reported barriers by way of personal beliefs and behaviours, namely, not worrying about
gaining a few kilos and believing that some weight gain was normal with ageing. In
contrast, three out of four indicated that lack of awareness of the health risks associated with
being overweight was a not barrier, again indicating a high level of knowledge about health
risks.
Barriers to adequate exercise Some two out of three respondents reported minor or major barriers associated with lack of
time and lack of motivation; while motivation is a behavioural factor, time barriers reflect
more structural constraints on women’s lifestyles. Fewer women reported barriers due to
personal limitations such as injury or illness.
Cost barriers
Cost are the only barriers that were reported by a majority of respondents. Just on half
reported barriers associated with the cost of healthy food and over-the-counter health items,
and close to two out of three reported cost barriers to engaging in organised physical
activities and accessing non-subsidised allied health services.
Taken together, the findings on barriers to healthy ageing indicate that more attention needs
to be directed to structural barriers by way of costs and time limits. Knowledge of risk
factors and aspects of healthy ageing, which is already relatively high, and behavioural
factors were identified as minor rather than major barriers.
Preparing for Ageing Project Report - October 2008 55
Table 4.1 Barriers to healthy ageing for women
% reporting barrier*
Barriers to adopting a healthy diet
Not a barrier
Minor barrier
Major barrier
1. Lack of information on healthy foods 82 14 4
2. Difficulty buying basic foodstuffs such as cereals that do not have added sugar/salt 57 32 11
3. Hard to change poor eating habits 49 35 16
Barriers to maintaining healthy weight
4. Not worried about putting on a few kilos as will be able to lose them later 31 42 27
5. Belief that cannot do much as it is normal to gain weight as women grow older. 45 50 15
6. Not aware that being overweight is a major risk factor for heart disease, stroke, diabetes etc. 72 14 14
Barriers to taking adequate exercise
7. Lack of time due to work and family commitments 40 31 28
8. Lack of motivation/ lack of peer support 39 42 19
9. Limitations due to chronic illness, disability or previous injury. 58 25 17
Cost Barriers
10. Cost of healthy foods, especially fresh fruit and vegetables 54 25 22
11. Cost of over the counter medication and related items 47 26 27
12. Cost of engaging in sports/ going to a gym or exercise group 37 31 31
13. Cost of podiatry, allied health etc when not subsidised 35 29 26
* Valid response range from 92% to 95% for different items.
4.1.3 Implications
This account of barriers to healthy ageing shows that large proportions of the respondents
faced barriers to healthy ageing, and that behavioural and structural barriers were more
common and more pronounced than knowledge barriers. It is evident that while knowing
what to do is a prerequisite for preparing for healthy ageing, many other barriers prevent
women acting on the knowledge they have. The implications for healthy ageing initiatives
are taken up below.
Preparing for Ageing Project Report - October 2008 56
4.2 Home environments
Moving house at any age is a major life adjustment, and the survey questions sought to
provide two views of how women see such a major adjustment in the context of preparing
for ageing. The first view focuses specifically on assessments of the suitability of present
housing in the face of future changes in housing needs. The second view provides an
indication of preparedness to consider alternative living environments, including retirement
villages, as an environment for ageing.
The findings on housing suitability and intentions reported in Table 4.2 suggest that while
there is a high level of satisfaction with present housing, there is considerable potential for
housing change as part of preparing for ageing. Realising this potential will depend on the
options available and the barriers that women face in finding suitable home environments.
4.2.1 Consideration of moving as part of preparing for ageing
The younger group were least likely to have considered moving as part of preparing for
ageing; this group may however move for other reasons before making ageing-related moves.
Of the other three groups, more than half of the working transition group (54%) indicated
that they had seriously considered moving or planned to move. The lower proportions
among the retired transition and older groups (around 40%) may be due in part to some
having already, confirming that housing adjustments are a likely part of preparing for ageing.
Factors that prompted respondents to think about moving were associated with four areas:
housing that was too large or had stairs, gardens that were too large to maintain, moving
closer to family and moving to a preferred locality for retirement living that also offered
good access to services.
4.2.2 Suitability of present housing in changed personal circumstances
Respondents were asked to assess the suitability of their present housing if they found
themselves in the situation of turning 80 tomorrow, living alone, suffering severe arthritis
and no longer able to drive. While this hypothetical situation presents multiple difficulties,
it is not totally unrealistic.
The two transition groups and the older group were most likely to assess their present
housing as very unsuitable in the event of such changed personal circumstances, and the
younger group were least likely. Two out of three of the working transition group were
likely to assess their housing as very unsuitable or unsuitable, compared to just over half of
the retired transition group; the higher proportion of the latter group who assessed their
housing as suitable or very suitable likely reflects some having adjusted their housing as part
of their transition to retirement.
The older group were least likely to assess their present housing as very suitable, a
combination of this advanced age group being likely to occupy older housing and also their
greater awareness of factors that made housing less suitable in the face of limitations in
personal circumstances. This finding contrasts with the previous finding that this group
were least likely to be planning to move, suggesting that this group especially face barriers in
relocating to more suitable housing environments.
Preparing for Ageing Project Report - October 2008 57
Table 4.2: Housing intentions and suitability, by respondent group
1. Have you ever considered moving house as part of preparing for ageing? Total
Group Never Occasionally Seriously Plan to move* % No.
Younger 46.7 31.1 6.7 15.6 100.0 45 Working transition 19.8 35.2 18.7 26.4 100.0 91
Retired transition 20.6 25.4 33.3 20.6 100.0 63
Older 24.7 37.0 24.7 13.6 100.0 81
Total % 25.7 32.9 21.8 19.6 100.0
No. 72 92 61 55 280
2. How suitable would your present housing be if you turned 80 tomorrow, were living alone, had severe arthritis and could no long drive?
Group Very unsuitable Unsuitable Suitable Very suitable % No. Younger 27.3 25.0 11.4 36.4 100.0 44
Working transition 36.0 31.5 12.4 20.2 100.0 89
Retired transition 38.5 15.4 20.0 26.2 100.0 65 Older 36.2 22.3 23.4 18.1 100.0 94
Total % 35.3 24.0 17.5 23.3 100.0
No. 103 70 51 68 292
3. How do you view retirement villages as an environment for ageing?
Group Very negatively/
Negatively Neutral Positively Very positively % No
Younger 21.4 21.4 50.0 7.1 100.0 42
Working transition 24.7 14.6 42.7 18.0 100.0 89 Retired transition 7.7 30.8 46.2 15.4 100.0 65
Older 14.0 24.7 48.4 12.9 100.0 93
Total % 17.0 22.5 46.4 13.8 100.0
No 13 36 65 134 289
4. Do you know/have you visited someone living in a retirement village?
Group No Yes % No.
Younger 24.4 75.5 100.0 45 Working transition 14.3 85.7 100.0 91
Retired transition 9.2 90.8 100.0 65
Older 11.9 88.1 100.0 92
Total % 14.0 86.0 100.0
No 41 252 293
* includes 7 who had moved, all in Group 3 and 4.
Preparing for Ageing Project Report - October 2008 58
4.2.3 Retirement villages as an environment for ageing
The purpose of asking whether respondents knew or had visited someone living in a
retirement village and their own views of retirement villages as environments for ageing was
to assess openness to future possibilities that are different to present environments as much as
interest in retirement villages per se. The question referred to retirement villages as an
environment for ageing and not residential aged care homes as settings for care.
Overall, 86% of respondents knew or had visited someone living in a retirement village.
Even among the younger group, three out of four had some contact with someone living in a
retirement village, and this proportion reached 91% for the retired transition group. It is
quite likely that experience of retirement villages on the part of the two transition groups may
have related to older family members as much as consideration of their own futures.
Half of all respondents viewed retirement villages positively as environments for ageing, and
around another 15% viewed them very positively. Around a quarter had neutral views and
only a minority viewed them negatively or very negatively; the proportion with negative
views was around twice as high among the younger and working transition groups as among
the retired transition and older groups.
Further analysis shows some two thirds of those who had personal contact with someone
living in a retirement village viewed them positively compared to just under half of those
who did not have such personal contact. There was however no difference in the
proportions expressing negative or very negative views and the difference was instead made
up by more reporting neutral views. These findings suggest that views of retirement villages
depend on acquaintance and may change over time, depending on both personal experience
and the range of options available.
Research findings on moving to retirement
villages
Gardner, Browning & Kendig 2005
This study reports a survey of quality of life of 3 groups of 40 residents of each of a resident-funded village, a non-government villages and a group who had considered but not moved into retirement villages. Quality of life of those in villages had improved since they moved, whereas those who remained in the community reported worsening quality of life. The findings indicate that retirement villages enhanced quality of life by way of improvements in social activity, home maintenance, physical security, health support, housing costs, well-being and independence. Retirement villages enabled movers to achieve a better “person-environment fit” and greater autonomy compared to those who considered but decided against moving, mainly due to concerns about financial aspects of retirement villages.
4.2.4 Implications
Taken together, the findings on home environments and propensity to change housing as part
of preparing for ageing suggest that many women do not expect to remain in the same house
as they age and that there is rather considerable potential for moving and recreating their
‘own home’ in new environments.
Preparing for Ageing Project Report - October 2008 59
4.3 Work environments
Continuing participation in the paid workforce lays the foundation for healthy ageing not
only by enabling women to add to their savings for retirement income but by maintaining
social networks and engagement. Many factors including the current high demand for
labour and the increase in the age of eligibility for the Age Pension to age 65 for women are
driving women’s continued participation in the workforce. Health status is a major
determinant of workforce participation, yet women’s occupational health has received
relatively little attention.
4.3.1 Age at retirement
Response rates to the question about the age at which respondents had retired or expected to
retire were markedly lower than for other items in the survey. Only 60% of the older group
responded, likely reflecting lower participation in the paid workforce by this group and hence
fewer identifying an age at which they retired. Around 25% of the other groups did not
respond; comments made by respondents indicate that non-response may be due to past or
expected retirement being gradual, involving a shift from full to part time work, making it
difficult to nominate an exact age of retirement. A small number in the other groups also
indicated that they could not envisage retiring.
Retirement ages of those who did nominate an age at which they had or expected to retire
showed considerable diversity and differences between the four groups.
• The older group who had worked and retired had the most even spread of retirement
ages: around one third retired before age 55, one third between age 55-60 and one third
by age 65.
• The retired transition group were the most likely to have retired at earlier ages rather than
later: one third had retired by age 55 and 45% between age 55-60, with the remaining
25% retiring by age 65.
• The working transition group in contrast were least likely to anticipate retiring early: only
a small minority, 6%, expected to retire by age 55, four out of 10 expected to retire by
age 60, and almost 6 out of 10 expected to retire between 60 and 65.
• The younger group, for whom retirement was most distant, were divided between some
40% who expected to retire before 55 and 40% who expected to retire between 60-65,
with the remaining minority retiring between 55-60.
4.3.2 Health and retirement decisions
The ways in which health affected retirement decisions was investigated through three
questions, and some marked differences were apparent in responses from the four groups as
reported in Table 4.3. In interpreting these findings, it should be noted that the response
rate overall was only 80% and varied from 77% for the working transition and older groups
to 84% for the younger group and 90% for the retired transition group.
Preparing for Ageing Project Report - October 2008 60
Table 4.3: Work environments and healthy ageing
Was or is poor health likely to be a factor
in your decision to retire? Total
Group Major Minor Not a factor % No. Younger 29.7 21.6 48.6 100.0 37
Working transition 19.4 19.4 61.1 100.0 72
Retired transition 16.9 15.3 67.8 100.0 59
Older 10.5 13.2 76.3 100.0 76
Total % 17.6 16.8 65.6 100.0
No. 43 41 160 244
If still working, is poor health likely to cause
retirement before your planned retirement age?
Total
Group
Very likely/ Likely
Not likely Not at all likely % No
Younger 36.6 39.0 24.4 100.0 41
Working transition 30.6 36.1 33.3 100.0 72 Retired transition - - -
Older - - -
Total % 32.7 37.2 30.1 100.0
No. 37 42 34 113
Since you retired, has your health Total
Group Improved Stayed the same Worsened % No. Younger - - -
Working transition - - -
Retired transition 24.6 62.3 13.1 100.0 61
Older 15.4 52.6 32.0 100.0 78
Total % 19.4 56.9 23.7
No. 27 79 33 100.0 139
Preparing for Ageing Project Report - October 2008 61
Overall, two out of three respondents reported that poor health had not been a factor in their
decision to retire or they did not expect it to be, but there were considerable differences
between the respondents groups.
• Somewhat surprisingly, the younger group were most likely to report that poor health was
likely to be a major or minor factor in their retirement decision, with half giving this
response. In comparison, only some 40% of the working transition group thought that
poor health was likely to affect their retirement decision, and poor health was less likely
again to have affected decisions of the retired transition group, with around 30%
indicating that it had been a factor. The older group were least likely to report that their
health had affected their retirement decision, and very few in this group reported poor
health as a major factor.
• Responses of those who were still working confirmed that close to 40% of the younger
group and 30% of the working transition group thought that poor health was likely to
cause them to retire ahead of their planned retirement age. This finding is of heightened
concern given the high proportions in these two groups who expected to remain in the
workforce to age 65, and suggests that many will either have to change their level of
workforce participation or be forced to retire earlier than they want to.
• Turning to those who had retired, one in three overall reported a worsening in health
since retirement. The much lower proportion of the retired transition group who
reported worse health post-retirement compared to the older group suggests however that
this outcome may be due as much to advancing age as a consequence of retirement.
4.3.3 Work related factors affecting health
Work-related health problems
Work was generally seen in very positive terms, and was usually very satisfying, but a
number of negative impacts of work environments that affected physical and mental health
were identified. Some of these were so severe as to cause respondents to retire ahead of the
time they planned to, while others affected health after retirement. A particular concern
among those who had retired was that some long term impacts of occupation health only
showed up after they had left work but they no longer had access to the same treatment and
rehabilitation services they would have had while in the workforce.
Work-related injuries stemmed from poor physical environments and the nature of work
done. Poor ergonomics, poor air conditioning, especially in computing work areas, heat in
kitchens, and unsafe and polluted work environments with chemical hazards were all
mentioned as having negative impacts on health. Older respondents had worked in
environments that were not smoke free and at a time when lower standards applied in other
areas of occupational health and safety. A great diversity of specific work related injuries
were reported, from the effects of years of heavy farm work, long hours of computer work
affecting eyesight and joints, and constant driving. Many women worked in child care and
health care, where occupational risks were associated with on-going exposure to infection
and lifting.
Poor management practices were also a source of stress and other negative impacts of
pressures at work. Respondents commented on the effects of poor interpersonal staff
Preparing for Ageing Project Report - October 2008 62
relations and increasing expectations from employers but little support and inadequate
supervision; unrealistic expectations with too many, too short deadlines; long hours and shift
work, and long travel times to work. Age discrimination was also noted, including young
managers who lacked understanding of older workers needing to go on working for financial
reasons.
Measures to address work health problems
Respondents reported a parallel range of ways in which the negative impacts of work
environments had been or could be addressed.
Physical environments could be improved through air quality checks, safeguards for
hazardous materials, new equipment and aids to assist lifting and avoid injury.
Management changes focused more on the need for more attention to be given to ageing of
the workforce: better education of personnel management on issues such as the value of more
flexible work hours, more awareness of health problems of ageing workers and how to
accommodate these changes, more OH&S checks, including physiotherapy and eye checks
for desk workers, promoting physical activity and lunchtime exercise or walking programs
for sedentary workers.
The solution that was most frequently taken by respondents in both the working and retired
transition groups was to change to part time work. Making this change however required an
employer who accepted flexible work arrangements. Part time work achieved a much better
work-life balance, and some respondents who continued in full time work saw it as a good
way of making the transition to retirement in future, but the financial impact of reducing
work hours ruled it out for some. Other actions taken by respondents included switching
from careers that were too stressful and working closer to home.
Research findings
on women’s
work hours
Warner-Smith & Mishra 2002
The ALSWH included questions on work hours and satisfaction with hours worked in the 1998 survey, and this study examined relationships between these variables and physical and mental health scores on the SF-36, a well validated health profile. 8,346 women aged 47-52 at the time of the survey were included. One third were not in paid work. Of those who were, the 33% who worked part time for 16-35 were most satisfied. Those working fewer hours wanted more work, but the proportion wanting to work fewer hours increased rapidly above 35 hrs. Reasons for wanting to work fewer hours were related to family caring, health and wanting more time for leisure, for self, or to do other things. Women working in more skilled and managerial occupations were happier with longer hours, and more of those in manual work were happy working fewer hours. Irrespective of hours worked, women who were happy with their hours had better physical health, and this association was even stronger for mental health. Long part time work hours (25-34 hrs) were the most favoured and social policies that facilitated such arrangements were identified as making a crucial contribution to both women’s employment and health.
Preparing for Ageing Project Report - October 2008 63
4.3.4 Implications
The diversity of findings on how work environments affect preparing for ageing reflect
changing patterns of workforce participation of different generations of women, changes in
other factors affecting retirement decisions, such as the increase to age 65 for eligibility for
the Age Pension for women, and changes in work environments, especially in occupational
health and safety standards. Some of these factors are more readily anticipated than others,
but as more women in coming cohorts of women will have had longer periods of
employment in the paid workforce, the importance of work environments in shaping
retirement transitions in preparing for ageing is set to increase.
The substantial proportions of respondents who indicated that poor health was, or was likely
to be a minor or major factor in their decision to retire has considerable implications for
preparing for ageing. Many occupational health and safety measures focus on prevention of
catastrophic injury and immediate consequences for continued workforce participation, but
these findings indicate that for women, more attention needs to be given to chronic injury and
to long term effects that may not be felt until after retirement. Women who have to retire
because of poor health, or who experience work related health problems early in their
retirement are disadvantaged compared to those who make the transition to retirement in
good health. Minimising negative health impacts of work will become an increasingly
important part of preparing for ageing as more women come to have longer exposures to
occupational health risks before they retire, and some of these impacts may not be felt until
after retirement.
Preparing for Ageing Project Report - October 2008 64
5. Building on the Foundations: Developing the
infrastructure for preparing for ageing
5.1 The central role of General Practitioners
The frequency with which most women see their General Practitioner means that GPs are
the front line for providing advice on healthy ageing and related health care services. The
importance of GP roles is borne out by the high proportions of respondents who report that
they are very satisfied or satisfied with the way their GPs manage different aspects of their
care. The strength of these findings is enhanced by the very high response rates, at over
90% for all four items.
• Around 40% of respondents overall were very satisfied with each of the areas of GP care
that were asked about, and another 40% were satisfied. Within this overall high level
of satisfaction, there were some variations between the groups and for different aspects of
GP care.
• The older group were most likely to be very satisfied; fully two thirds were very satisfied
with their GP’s management of mental health and over half were very satisfied with the
other areas.
• Where women were very dissatisfied with their GP’s role, it was usually in one or
another area compared to satisfaction with others. Very few were dissatisfied with their
GP in all areas of care.
• Reports of being very dissatisfied were more likely from the younger group, but there
were marked variations for the different aspects of GP care. This group were four times
as likely to be very dissatisfied with the extent to which their GPs looked beyond their
immediate health problem (16% compared to 4.5% overall), three times more likely to be
very dissatisfied with annual check-ups (21.4% compared to 6.2%) and twice as likely to
be very dissatisfied with referral to a range of other services (12% compared to 6%).
• The high proportion reporting they were very satisfied with their GP’s management of
mental health, either directly or through referral, was common to all four groups; the
younger group in particular reported higher levels of satisfaction with this area of care
than other areas.
Research findings on
older peoples’
encounters with general practitioners
O’Halloran & Britt 2004
Analysis of approx. 100,000 GP encounters found that over 90% of older Australians attend their GP at least once a year, and those aged 65 and over accounted for 25% of encounters. Two thirds had a Health Care Card and another 12% a DVA card. Women predominated; 57% at age 65-74 and 61% at age 75 and over, and had more encounters than men: 8 and 10 per year for the two age groups compared to 7 for men at both ages. Circulatory conditions were most frequent, and cardiovascular medication the most frequent management. Compared to those aged 65-75, those aged 75 and over received investigations and non-pharmacological treatments significantly less often. Evidence of healthy ageing strategies was reported especially for patients 65-74, including advice on nutrition, weight and exercise, with a different focus in encounters for older patients. The rate of treatment of hypertension has not changed over since 1990-91 but the rate of immunisation has doubled.
Preparing for Ageing Project Report - October 2008 65
Table 5.1: Satisfaction with aspects of General Practitioner care
% reporting
Total Satisfaction with extent to which my GP Very dissatisfied
Dis- satisfied Satisfied
Very satisfied % No
1. looks beyond my immediate health problems to look at my longer term health 4.5 15.1 43.8 36.6 100.0 292
2. makes time for a thorough check on my health once a year 6.2 15.2 37.2 41.4 100.0 290
3. is able to provide good access to other mental health practitioners, e.g. psychologist/ counsellor (in own practice or by referral) 5.1 8.3 36.8 49.8 100.0 277
4. makes referrals to a wide range of community services (beyond other health services) that can contribute to preparing for ageing 5.5 13.2 41.5 39.7 100.0 272
Table 5.2: Preferred sources of information on health problems
% reporting Total Sources turned to for information on a particular health problem
Very likely
Likely Unlikely Very unlikely % No.
General practitioner 61 30 5 4 100 291
A support organization concerned with the problem e.g. the Arthritis Foundation 31 47 10 12 100 258
Another Health Professional 22 47 23 7 100 245
The internet 37 23 16 24 100 251
A women’s health centre/service 19 36 27 18 100 247
An alternative therapy practitioner 13 30 31 26 100 239
A local community health centre/service 12 27 41 20 100 244
A local self help group 8 27 38 27 100 241
A popular magazine 5 21 24 50 100 234
Preparing for Ageing Project Report - October 2008 66
5.2 Information and more information
Finding information on healthy ageing is widely seen to be a problem, yet the survey findings
reported so far suggest that lack of information may be less of a barrier than is seen to be the
case. Comments were made at several points in survey responses to the effect that the
because there is such an array of information available, it is difficult to know just how
accurate and reliable different sources of information are. Some information is too technical
and so not easily understood, some is not practical, and some is misleading and alarmist.
To explore information issues further, respondents were asked to indicate how likely they
were to turn to each of seven different sources of information. The results in Table 4.2
show that some sources are much preferred over others, and that some are unlikely to be used
at all by many women. Response rates followed the same trend, with higher response rates
for sources that were more likely to be used.
Five different sets of responses were apparent:
• Respondents were far more likely to turn to their General Practitioners than to any other
source of information; fully 9 out of 10 said they were very likely or likely to ask their
GP. The minority who were unlikely to turn their GP included a small number of
respondents who commented that they did not have a regular GP, in some cases because
they attended clinics, but in other cases because they very rarely needed to see a doctor.
Research findings on information in general practice
McKenna, Tooth, King et al
This study of older patients’ requests for information involved 50 GPs and 188 community dwelling older people in Brisbane and focused on written material. 46% of GPs had not given any written material to patients and while 50% of patients reported receiving written material, only half of these had discussed it with their GP. Patients were more positive than GPs about the value of written educational material. 20% of patients wanted more written material. Some GPs believed that older patients preferred verbal material and only gave written material when they perceived patient interest. Patients need to be more assertive in asking for written information and GPs need to offer it to more older patients.
• Respondents were also highly likely to turn to support organizations and other health
professionals, each nominated by some 70%.
• The internet was identified as a highly likely source of information by 6 out of 10
respondents, but close to a quarter said it was a very unlikely source. This polarised
pattern of responses reflects a difference between the younger group who were highly
likely to use the internet and the older group who were mostly very unlikely to use it.
Research findings on internet use
by older people
Russell, Campbell & Hughes
Internet use was found to decline rapidly with age, from 75% for 18-24 year olds to 26% at age 55-64 and 9% at 65 and over, due mainly to lack of familiarity or opportunities on the part of older people. But older users are the fastest growing group. Internet use had no effect on frequency of other communication and internet use supplements interaction with others and improved access to economic, social and political institutions and services, and hence improved quality of life. While this small study of older users explored internet use in relation to social capital, by way of ‘bonding’ in personal relationships and ‘bridging’ in building formal ties to voluntary organizations, the findings are relevant to use of the internet as a source of health information.
Preparing for Ageing Project Report - October 2008 67
• Women’s health services, alternative therapy practitioners and local community health
services were each nominated as a very likely or likely source by around half the
respondents, but as many were unlikely or very unlikely to use these sources.
• Self help groups and popular magazines were not widely used sources of information.
Response rates fell to below 80% for these sources, further indicating that they were not
preferred sources of information. Self help groups are likely to be used more selectively
by women seeking information and support with particular problems, and provide a
useful response, but comments indicated that while popular magazines are ubiquitous,
much material in them is by way of sales promotion and they are not regarded as a source
of credible health information.
5.3 Current initiatives for healthy ageing
While the preceding findings confirm that GPs play a central role in enabling women to
prepare for healthy ageing, it has to be recognised that GPs cannot “do it all” and that a
range of other services are involved. The variety of initiatives taken over recent years to
promote healthy ageing thus includes some delivered through general practice, some
delivered through screening services, some generic and some specific to women’s health, and
some delivered through community based programs.
The survey results reported in Table 5.3 show that take-up and knowledge of these initiatives
is high. Variations in both use and knowledge are systematically related to the eligibility
criteria applied, the likelihood that different respondents groups have experienced different
health concerns, and free or low cost access. The findings are strengthened by the high
response rates, at above 90% for 10 of the 11 initiatives, and 87% for the remaining one.
5.3.1 Programs with age eligibility criteria
Take-up of free flu immunisation and annual health assessments is very high among those
who are age-eligible, and knowledge of these programs is high among others.
Free flu immunisation
Just on 90% of the older group had received free flu immunisation and the remaining 10%
had heard of this service. While lower proportions of the working transition and retired
transition groups had received flu immunisation, the levels of coverage at 23% and 44%
respectively are consistent with more of the latter group being aged 65 and over and hence
age-eligible. None in the younger group were eligible for free flu immunisation, but close to
half reported knowing of the service.
Preparing for Ageing Project Report - October 2008 68
Table 5.3: Take-up and knowledge of current initiatives for healthy ageing
Delivered through Not elig./ relevant
Not heard of
Heard of / not used
Used Total
General Practitioners % No.
Free flu immunisation for 65 and overs 17.8 2.7 32.9 46.6 100.0 298
Annual Health Assessment for 75 and overs 35.7 20.0 26.4 17.9 100.0
Screening services
Cervical cancer/PAP 11.6 1.1 15.8 71.6 100.0 285
Skin Cancer 4.7 5.8 36.7 52.7 100.0 275
Bowel Cancer 5.7 5.0 43.2 46.1 100.0 280
Ovarian cancer 12.2 12.2 57.4 18.3 100.0 263
Diabetes 4.6 3.9 38.4 53.0 100.0 281 Community programs
Continence 28.6 28.9 36.6 5.9 100.0 273
Eye examination 6.0 21.8 17.2 55.1 100.0 285
Medication Review 14.6 28.8 37.6 19.0 100.0 274
Depression 27.0 12.4 48.2 12.4 100.0 274
Falls 17.9 23.7 43.0 15.4 100.0 279
Preparing for Ageing Project Report - October 2008 69
Annual health assessments for those aged 75 and over
The age limit of 75 years and over means that not even all those in the older group would be
eligible. With 53% of this group reporting that they had had a health assessment, coverage
is seen to be high, and a further 20% knew of the service. Knowledge was as high as 25-
30% among the other groups, but the majority of these responded that the service was not
applicable to them.
Research findings on health assess-ments
Byles, Young & Wheway 2007
Take up of the Medicare Benefits Schedule Item that provides free health assessments for people aged 75 and over was examined using data from the ALSWH. The data covered 4,646 women aged 75 and over in November 1999 who gave consent for their Medicare and DVA claims data to be accessed. Take-up increased over the 4 year study period and 48% had at least one annual assessment. Women in metropolitan areas and regional centres were more likely to have assessments than women in rural and remote areas. Take-up was also associated with having more visits to the GP, taking more medications, being in hospital or being injured in a fall in the last 12m, having a GP consultation at no cost, satisfaction with GP availability, and being born overseas. The findings did not indicate any strong socio-economic inequity in utilisation of assessments other than in outlying rural and remote areas. As take-up was strongly associated with access to GPs, GPs need to consider ways of encouraging health assessments for older people who they see less frequently
5.3.2 Screening programs
Screening programs are delivered both through General Practitioners and organised screening
programs. In both cases, access is mostly at low or no cost, particularly for older women.
Screening for cancers
Take-up of the four cancer screening programs covered in the survey ranged from a high of
72% for cervical cancer/PAP smears, through around 50% for bowel and skin cancer, to just
under 20% for ovarian cancer.
There were different age related gradients in take-up of different screening services.
Whereas cervical cancer screening was highest among the younger group at just on 90% and
fell to under 60% among the older group, the trend was the reverse for skin cancer screening
which increased from 40% among the former group to 60% of the latter, and for bowel
cancer which increased from 20% to some 60% across the groups.
Most of the remaining respondents had heard of these screening programs, with the exception
of screening for ovarian cancer, which just on 25% had either not heard of or considered was
not relevant to them. This finding is in accord with ovarian cancer screening being
recommended only on medical advice and not on a population basis.
Diabetes screening Just over half of all respondents had been screened for diabetes and most of the others had
heard of the program. There was a marked age gradient, from 30% of the younger group
having had screening to 70% of the older group.
Preparing for Ageing Project Report - October 2008 70
5.3.3 Community programs
Take-up and knowledge of community programs relevant to healthy ageing was more varied
and reflected the likelihood of women experiencing different health concerns.
Medicare funded eye examinations
Take-up was highest for Medicare funded eye examinations, at 55%, and ranging from close
to 40% for the younger group to over 70% for the older group. It is evident that eye
examinations are readily accessible, and fewer than 10% of all groups regarded eye
examinations as not applicable or relevant. While some 20% overall and 30% of the
younger group had not heard of the service, it is difficult to judge whether lack of knowledge
is because of lack of need or whether some who are in need of eye examinations are missing
out on this available service.
Research findings on
vision screening
Carnicelli, Keeffe, Martin et al. 2003.
Testing of a sample of 442 clients of residential and community care services aged 65 and over in a suburban Melbourne LGA found 38% had vision impairment but only 24% of these were under care and 76% were referred for further examination, most often to an optometrist . A vision screening kit that could be used by a wide range of staff allowed for ready screening and although recommended for routine inclusion in many assessment processes, time limitations precluded use by staff. Better integration in community health settings together with distribution of eye health promotion material to senior centres etc. are both needed to improve eye health and quality of life.
Programs for age-related conditions
Programs providing assessment of falls and balance, medication reviews by pharmacists and
continence assessment all address ageing-related health concerns, and take-up and
knowledge of these services varied across the groups accordingly.
Falls and medication review programs were used by around 15-20% of respondents overall,
and knowledge of these programs was high at around a further 40%. Age gradients suggest
that knowledge and use of services is strongly conditioned by emerging health concerns.
One in three of the older group had used each of these programs, while among the two
transition groups, lower use was balanced by higher knowledge.
Among the younger group, 60-75% reported that these three programs were either not
relevant to them or they had not heard of them. This finding has to be interpreted in relation
to the findings for the other groups, and rather than reflecting actual or potential lack of
access to needed care, the explanation for low use and limited knowledge lies in a lack of
salience to their own health needs, and it can be expected that knowledge and take-up would
increase over time to levels commensurate with the other groups.
Depression
Knowledge and use of programs for managing depression was markedly different to the other
services, but broadly consistent with the prevalence of depression in the community. Use of
services providing support for depression was highest among the younger group, at just under
25%, and then fell to around 10% for the older group. Use of these services was lowest, but
Preparing for Ageing Project Report - October 2008 71
knowledge highest, among the retired transition group, and this finding is consistent with
other findings of the survey that indicate that the majority of this group are indeed ageing
well.
Just on half of the older group reported that services providing support for depression were
not applicable to them. Interpreting this finding as indicating a lack of awareness of need
on the part of older women is countered by the 40% who reported that they had heard of
these services but not used them, the same proportion as among the working transition group.
It is also consistent with lower prevalence of depression and better mental health at older
ages compared to younger ages.
5.3.4 Self management of chronic conditions
Only a small number of respondents reported on their experience of self management.
Diabetes was the most common condition that respondents managed themselves, or were
involved in managing with their partner or a child with diabetes. Respondents adopted a
range of self management strategies, and while acknowledging that it was sometimes
difficult to stick to the required diet, the combined benefits of diet and gentle exercise were
especially recognised when they helped with other chronic health problems. One
respondent managed her multiple problems of high blood pressure, sleep deprivation and
hypothyroidism.
Other conditions mentioned by individual respondents were chronic obstructive airways
disease, asthma and arthritis. Education and information had enabled good management and
reduced the need for medication for these conditions.
Two factors that were identified as contributing to the success of self management were
“having the right attitude” by way of taking responsibility for one’s health, and having back-
up from community nurses, the GP and pharmacists reviewing medications.
5.3.5 Implications
While a lack of access to needed services cannot be ruled out on the part of all respondents,
the findings on knowledge and use of current healthy ageing initiatives indicate that pre-
requisite knowledge is widespread and likely to lead to access to care as need arises. The
only critical concern to be identified is a gap in knowledge of continence assistance on the
part of the retired transition group, given the increasing prevalence of continence problems
among this age group.
The findings do not provide any evidence of a need for large scale, blanket information
campaigns. Instead, a strategy that took use of any one healthy ageing service as a starting
point to link to other services could provide a better way of increasing take-up.
Preparing for Ageing Project Report - October 2008 72
5.4 Socially inclusive communities
The social inclusion segment of the Preparing for Ageing Project identified the importance of
continued participation in social groups, outside as well as within the family, and safe
environments for healthy ageing. Social inclusion also depended on being able to connect
with others, having access to services, having opportunities to be heard and being treated
with respect. Taken together, these attributes describe life in a community that is inclusive,
not only of women as they age, but of men and women at all ages.
While older people are sometimes portrayed in the media as being highly concerned about
matters of personal safety and safety in public places, this view is not supported by research
and its persistence in the media may be more a cause for alarm.
Research findings on perceptions of safety at
home and in local
communities
Quine & Morrell. 2008.
Data on questions about feeling safe in the home and in the neighbourhood from the Older Persons Health Survey were analysed; the OPHS was a random sample of 8,881 residents aged 65 and over across the whole of NSW were analysed. 95% felt safe at home and 90% in the community; men were slightly more likely to feel safe all the time but this was balanced by the proportion of women who felt safe most of the time. There were no significant differences over the age range. Other predictors of perceptions of safety at home and in the neighbourhood were examined for men compared to women: metropolitan/non-metropolitan residence, living alone, socio-economic status, health status, emotional well-being and future outlook and personal mobility. Few significant associations were found between variables, and associations were mixed for men and women, and in home and neighbourhood safety. The findings do not support the common view that older people are greatly concerned with their personal safety, and show that feelings of safety flow across home and neighbourhood settings. Fears that were expressed focused on personal health and general matters such as the economy and politics; fears about being a victim of crime were not expressed and only 3% stated concerns about law and order. The findings show a consistent and positive picture of older people’s perceptions of safety and refute the image of older people as fearful and disproportionately targeted as victims of crime.
The survey asked respondents to rate their local communities on six attributes that made for
positive environments for ageing. The results in Table 4.4 show that local communities are
widely regarded as positive environments for ageing. These findings are strengthened by
response rates close to 100% for this part of the survey, the consistency of responses from
those living in different communities across metropolitan areas, regional centres and rural
areas, and across the four groups of respondents.
Fully 90% rated their community as good or very good in terms of availability of places to
meet friends and socialise, and over 80% gave similarly high ratings to facilities for indoor
and outdoor recreation, attitudes to older people and their treatment by others in the
community, and safety at home and in public places. Taken together, these findings provide
a view of local communities as being highly inclusive and offering many opportunities for
maintaining social networks and engaging in a wide range of group and individual recreation
activities.
The only exception to these positive views was the assessment of ease of getting about
without driving, which was rated as poor or very poor by 42%. The only comment that was
made frequently about how to address problems in local communities was to improve public
Preparing for Ageing Project Report - October 2008 73
transport. Lack of public transport is a particular concern to women as they grow older, and
it reduces the value of public transport concessions, but it is also a major concern to all those
who cannot drive or who do not have access to a car.
Table 4.4: Quality of local communities
% reporting Total
Rating of aspects of the local community as a place for ageing
Very poor
Poor
Good
Very good
% No
1. Places to meet friends and socialise (cafes, movies, etc.) 1 9 61 29 100 301
2. Facilities for indoor activities and recreation, including libraries, clubs etc. 2 12 59 28 100 299
3. Facilities for outdoor activities/recreation, for solitary and passive enjoyment as well as sporting clubs and facilities 2 15 62 21 100 296
4. Attitudes to older people and treatment by others in the community. 4 13 63 20 100 299
5. Safety at home and in the streets and public places 2 18 61 19 100 296
6. Ease of getting about without driving 17 26 41 17 100 300
Preparing for Ageing Project Report - October 2008 74
6. Proposals for preparing for ageing
6.1 Towards a program for preparing for healthy ageing
The initiatives suggested for inclusion in a preparing for healthy ageing program were many
and varied, and it is apparent that health aspects of ageing are viewed in a wider context of
preparing for ageing. The following summary of the proposals under five main clusters
demonstrates the scope of areas that a possible program concerned with preparing for ageing
might cover. While many of the issues raised are of importance to men and women as they
age, issues of particular concern to women are highlighted.
The proposals summarised below indicate very clearly that preparing for ageing goes well
beyond addressing health issues. Many of the areas put forward for inclusion in a future
program already exist, and few gaps were identified. It is readily apparent that action to
integrate existing provisions into a coherent program takes priority over new, separate
initiatives. To this end, a number of common themes that emerge across the five clusters
are drawn together to provide some overall directions for possible program development.
6.1.1 Attitudes to preparing for ageing
Attitudes towards preparing for ageing were positive. The common view being that ageing
was something that women should take in their stride and that women who had capably
managed busy lives would continue to do so with the natural progression of ageing in a
whole of life course perspective. Acceptance of a natural progression of ageing was based
on recognition of what was normal ageing and what was abnormal, and there was a clear
view that ageing per se should not be “talked into a problem”, raising anxieties about the
future where there was previously little concern. An outward looking attitude and
maintaining relations with family, friends and others in the community was valued as
contributing to mental health and stimulation.
At the same time, respondents felt that some level of preparation was in order, that women
should neither just accept what was happening nor suddenly find themselves ill-prepared.
The main circumstance in which women found themselves unprepared, namely management
of finances on the death of a husband who had looked after these matters, is taken up further
below in discussing financial security.
Among the factors that equipped women for ageing were an awareness of their rights and
how to exercise them, being empowered through positive role models, and building
confidence. Within this area, specific mention was made of making wills, Power of
Attorney, Medical Power of Attorney and related matters. Other themes were that the focus
on maintaining independence had to be supported by measures that enabled seniors to live
their lives to the fullest capacity regardless of disability, and a recognition that those with
disabilities in middle age may need assistance in planning for ageing.
A final note on positive attitudes was summed up in the response “Don’t forget how to
laugh”.
Preparing for Ageing Project Report - October 2008 75
6.1.2 Financial security
Whereas many aspects of ageing were seen to continue over the life course, ensuring
financial security was the one area in which purposeful action had to be taken early. The
generational differences that respondents identified in opportunities to achieve financial
independence and security highlight this point.
Starting early not only increased the likelihood of achieving financial security but the
planning involved also gave a realistic view of what to expect. Those in the transition
groups stressed that achieving financial security had to start early and be taken seriously,
with regard to pursuing careers well into their 60s as a means of building up superannuation.
A timely comment from one respondent was that “paid maternity leave will help keep
women in the workforce by helping them return to work instead of dropping out, and so stop
them having big holes or gaps in superannuation”.
Many women already in their 60s and 70s were in a different position, observing that neither
they nor their husbands had had super long enough to build up security. These respondents
were more likely to express concerns about actual costs of living or the impact of anticipated
future cost increases; increases in private health insurance premiums were flagged as a
specific concern. Many of the older respondents pointed to the need for younger women to
be involved in financial planning rather than leaving it to their husband, or even assuming
that their partner was undertaking the necessary planning, and to learn financial management
skills so they would be able to manage when they on a lower income and when they had to
take over financial management in the event of widowhood.
There were widespread calls for independent and free or at least low cost financial advice
and retirement planning sessions. Addressing confusion about changes to superannuation
was a high priority. Centrelink was again identified as the agency to take a leading role.
That financial security underpins health was summed up by the respondent who said “I
cannot stress enough the importance of forward financial planning so that women feel safe
and secure in their own next. If they do, good health will follow.”
6.1.3 Social networks
Maintaining social networks was critical to healthy ageing, and involved a mix of informal,
personal networks and participation in more organised community activities. Continuation
on from activities and groups that respondents were involved in prior to retirement and taking
up new interests were equally important, as was keeping both minds and bodies active. As
well as financial considerations, many felt that women who have stayed in the workforce
found it easier to maintain networks.
Intergenerational relations were a feature of personal networks, and interaction with children,
grand children and great-grandchildren was seen as a way of keeping young. Although
policy discussion of work-family life balance has focused on younger families, grandparents
are also very much a part of working families. Two sets of responses showed that
achieving a work-life balance was a clear theme through the transition to retirement.
Respondents in the transition groups noted the need to make more time for non-work
activities while working and not letting work take over life for women in their 40s and 50s,
and several wanted more information on opportunities for non-work community engagement
in clubs and societies in their local community. Some in their 50s and 60s reported having
Preparing for Ageing Project Report - October 2008 76
to balance competing pressures of contributing to child care for their adult sons and
daughters who were working and staying in the workforce themselves.
Participation in organised groups with people with similar interests contributed to building
confidence and combating social isolation, and also provided vehicles for healthy ageing
initiatives. Groups mentioned covered a wide range of interests, from computing courses to
diverse opportunities for volunteering. Continuing education, particularly through U3A, was
identified as a means of active engagement in getting information, and involvement in group
programs on retirement planning and financial literacy and competency were specifically
noted. Volunteering could especially enable skills to be used in community settings and
keeping connected across generations: examples given included assisting with reading in
schools, in health centre programs, and foster grand-parenting.
Self help groups that sit between personal networks and organised groups emerged as most
relevant to areas of well-being where sharing experience provided support, such as coping
with grief and loss and taking on caregiving. Mutual support at these times could help in
taking a long term view beyond the immediate concerns and attend to spiritual and emotional
needs.
Finally, a particular insight into the need to promote women’s networks came from one
comment that identified a barrier to engagement: husbands who did not share their wives’
interests and did not encourage them to pursue their own interests.
6.1.4 Health and community services
Proposals for health and community services to be included in any healthy ageing program
emphasised boosting current programs rather than starting new, but under-funded services,
and health promotion ahead of treatment services. Several respondents argued that
throwing more money at problems would not solve them and wanted more attention to be
given to cost effective options including self help and community group initiatives.
Fitness programs and classes offering exercise, diet and nutrition advice were very widely
proposed and form the basics of a healthy ageing program. Many called for expansion of
low cost and cost effective options already available in local settings. Programs operated by
local government or community groups, such as all age walking groups, had advantages by
way of providing peer support that recognised relationships between physical and mental
health, individually and as a member of the community. While some proposed subsidies for
gym membership, others proposed that private services should be encouraged to offer
discounts for seniors. As one respondent put it, “I can’t go past no cost walking and my
weekly low cost exercise group for keeping fit”.
Preparing for Ageing Project Report - October 2008 77
Research findings on
physical activity and emotional well-being
Lee & Russell 2003
Changes in physical activity and emotional well-being over 3 yrs were analysed for 6,472 women included in both survey waves who were aged 70-75 at the beginning of the ALSWH. A composite mental health outcome measure and four subscales of emotional well-being covered vitality, social functioning, emotional role and mental health, were analysed. Cross sectional analysis found that all these scores with increases in exercise and physical activity. Changes over time were compared using the ‘sedentary’ group as a baseline. Those who ceased exercise experienced significant decreases in vitality, social functioning and mental health whereas those who maintained or adopted exercise showed positive changes on all four measures of well-being. While noting that changes in physical health over time that may have caused some older women to cease exercise may also have had a negative effect on their well-being illness, those who were able to maintain and particularly those who increased activity experienced higher levels of well-being. Differences in ability to engage in physical activity (rather than actual activity) do not explain differences in emotional health which may rather be associated with physically active women experiencing physiological effects of activity, having larger social networks and engaging in more pleasurable activities. Physical activity in older women was predictive of future emotional well-being, and while it is not possible to determine the direction of any causal link, the promotion of physical activity among older women is identified as a valuable health promotion goal.
More specific areas of health promotion that were mentioned were falls prevention and living
with pain, advice on alternative therapies, and assistance with medication management,
including attention to the affects of prescription drugs on ageing bodies. Echoing the
importance of home environments as reported above, advice on home safety, home
modifications and use of aids were recognised as making valuable contributions to preparing
for ageing rather than only being relevant to care for frail aged individuals. Promoting
accessibility through adoption of universal design principles was also proposed as a means of
enhancing access more widely in local communities, together with improved public
transport.
Research findings on
falls prevention programs
Snodgrass & Rivett 2005
Even though 80% of the 75 respondents aged 60 and over were physically active and confident about walking, 25% had fallen in last 6m, and only 54% were aware of strategies to prevent falls. Preferred strategies each reported by around 60% were exercise programs, educational talks about health issues and vision examinations, delivered at a centre. Osteoporosis screening and nutrition advice ranked next, around 40%. Incentives to attend were a referral from a doctor or a friend who had attended. The most common barrier was transport, reported by 20%. It appears that those with some experience of falls were more aware of prevention strategies, raising questions of salience and timing of early interventions.
The single health service that was most often mentioned as requiring improved access was
dental care. Other specific services mentioned were one to one appointments with
dieticians, and enhanced access to screening services, including removal of age limits that
applied to some services.
Preparing for Ageing Project Report - October 2008 78
Research findings on
use of dental care
Marino, Browning & Kendig 2007.
Data from a longitudinal study of 993 community residents aged 65 and over found that only 1/3 had visited a dentist in the last 12m, and 40% had not visited a dentist for 5 years or more. In contrast, 95% had seen a doctor in the last 12 months. The proportion visiting a dentist recently is consistent with, but a little lower than found in studies in 1988 and 1990. Higher income, higher education, higher social support and higher well-being and younger age were associated with more recent use of oral health; holders of a Health Care or Pensioner Benefit card was also more likely to have visited a dentist. While no gender analysis was reported, these findings suggest that older women, especially very old women, are less likely to visit a dentist, given more older women have lower incomes and lower education. Other factors that contribute to likelihood of visiting a dentist were self assessed oral health, perceived barriers, and prior use of dental care services. The contrast with use of medical services highlights the lack of publicly funded dental services and the large waiting lists for non-emergency dental care pose further barriers to access.
Kruger, Tennant, Smith & Peachy. 2007.
Oral examinations were carried out in a community centre in rural WA, using standard WHO procedures. Of the 80 participants, 65 were women, and the mean age was
similar for men and women, at 73 overall. There were no significant differences between men and women in the proportion who were edentulous, 40%, having dentures or dentate status of those with remaining teeth. Treatment needs were identified in 66%, and in both dentate and edentulous groups. Over half had been to the dentist in the last two years and around 20% had not been for 5 years or more. While 80% held a relevant concession care, the most common reason for not visiting a dentist was cost, reported by 25%. Dental anxiety was not widespread, but not feeling dental care was necessary or long waiting times were each reported by 20% as reasons for not seeing a dentist. The findings are generally comparable with studies in other urban and rural communities in Australia.
A more systematic approach to comprehensive reviews of health at each decade of ageing
was widely proposed. Rather than waiting until age 75, health assessments at 50, 60 and 70
were proposed, accompanied by a standard record that could be regularly updated.
Research findings on
using a health
check log
Sheriff & Chenoweth
The health check log (HCL) was developed after surveying 200 older people in NSW on healthy lifestyle decisions, a literature review and consultations. Participants were asked to use the HCL once a month for 12m, to record health concerns and actions they took to address their concerns, and monthly phone interviews were conducted as well as focus groups at the end of the project. The majority of the 35 subjects in the evaluation were women living with their spouses. A wide range of health concerns were recorded on the HCL and actions taken showed considerable variation for consultation, treatment, satisfaction, follow-up and continued self monitoring for different concerns. The project found increased self confidence in requesting health screening and self-monitoring rather than depending on health professionals, but recognised the contact interviews may have contributed to this outcome. There was evidence that non-life threatening symptoms were not considered causes for concern even though they could have long term effects on health and well-being and ability to engage in community life. The HCL was seen to be a useful vehicle for raising awareness of these factors when used in conjunction with 1 to 1 follow-up, and further research was underway to assess how this support affected maintenance of the HCL.
Preparing for Ageing Project Report - October 2008 79
The two issues raised specifically for rural areas were improving access to services through
mobile clinics, and better access to cheaper, healthy food in remote areas through community
cooperatives.
Areas that were highlighted as particular concerns for women were programs to promote
awareness of osteoporosis among young women, education about changes in health
associated with menopause, increased access to bone density screening, and mental health
problems. There were also proposals for giving more attention to the risks that women
faced in the “traditional men’s health areas” of heart disease and stroke through promoting
women’s understanding of the risks associated with obesity and the links between diet,
exercise, being overweight and health problems.
A key means of addressing these concerns was to have more female health practitioners
focusing on ageing in all health services, not only aged care. More attention to ageing was
needed in tertiary education; just as the growth of courses in child development had resulted
in increased numbers of well-trained staff, parallel action was needed for broad based courses
in late life development that went beyond health care.
There was a unanimous view that for services to be accessible, they had to be affordable, and
for many, affordability meant free at the point of use. Expanding the range of preventative
services available under Medicare was a favoured approach.
6.1.5 Information and education
A great many proposals were made about the place of information and education in any
program for preparing for ageing. When these proposals are considered in the light of
findings on take-up of healthy ageing initiatives and the information sources that women
turn to, the need to consider salience of information and the difference between information
and education is apparent.
Salience
The paramount issue in addressing information is the need to recognise the salience of
different kinds of information at different times. On one hand, information that is not salient
to the individual’s concerns is largely disregarded, and on the other, there was little evidence
that lack of information relevant to particular concerns posed a barrier to access. Salience,
or the lack of it, explains many of the contradictions between different comments made about
information in different sections of the survey. Lack of information was not widely
identified as a general problem, nor did it appear to pose a major barrier to take-up of
services as use of healthy ageing initiatives was high when eligibility, cost and other access
considerations were taken into account. The priority was for better rather than more and
potentially conflicting information; “better” meant accurate and standardised information,
and health promotion, not sales promotion.
Salience can also explain why some respondents put forward proposals for services that
already existed but which they had no reason to be aware of. Given that the survey found
little evidence to show that respondents could not obtain information when they sought it,
efforts to increase the provision of information could to a large extent be wasted efforts.
Preparing for Ageing Project Report - October 2008 80
Active engagement in learning
More effort has to go into education in which individuals actively engage in learning rather
than passive distribution of information. To this end, information strategies needed to be
more differentiated so that individuals and groups can get the information they needed as and
when they need it, rather than being overloaded with information that has little or no
relevance to their circumstances. A multi-layered strategy is needed to make general
information broadly available and provide more in-depth education sessions for those
seeking more information on particular chronic conditions that were affecting their well-
being. Centrelink was widely identified as the agency best placed to take the lead role in
providing general information.
It was also noted that information could become outdated quite quickly and there were also
variations from area to area. Because of these risks, widely distributed general information
needed to include pointers on where to go for further detailed and localised advice. The
main agencies through which more localised information was likely to be obtained were local
government, community health services and support organizations, such as Carers’
Associations.
The findings that general practitioners were the most widely used source of information calls
for greater recognition of their role in strategies to promote information and education on
preparing for healthy ageing. Rather than directing information only to individuals,
involving spouses or partners and younger family members was proposed as a effective way
of improving understanding of diet and exercise and bringing about lifestyle changes. This
approach is relevant to several of the topics on which more health promotion information was
needed, namely menopause, osteoporosis and falls prevention, the health consequences of
obesity, diabetes, nutrition generally and specifically the benefits or otherwise of different
nutrition supplements. It is also likely to be the general practitioner or another health
professional who engages with other family members as well as the individual.
Research findings on
nutrition supplements
AJA 11
Results from a national survey of 1,263 aged 65+ found women were significantly more likely to use supplements than men (52% compared to 35%), and gender was the most predictive determinant of supplement use. Self rated health status was not related to use of supplements, but the main reasons for taking supplements were associated with maintaining health and vitality and protection from illness. Supplement use appears to have little to do with perceptions of dietary or nutrient adequacy, nor an attempt to compensate for poor health. Concerns arise in relation to the high use of medications in this population, particularly as only one third regularly reported use of supplements to their doctor. Poor communication was attributed to apprehension about revealing use on the part of older individuals and doctors not routinely inquiring about use, and it was concluded that health care professionals needed to take greater responsibility in this area.
Preparing for Ageing Project Report - October 2008 81
6.1.6 Strategies
Rather than identifying totally new initiatives or major gaps that needed to be filled, the
proposals put forward make it apparent that any healthy ageing program, or program for
preparing for ageing more widely, has to proceed by building on and integrating the range of
existing approaches. Such an approach is consistent with the findings of widespread
knowledge and take-up of existing healthy ageing initiatives, and the wide range of sources
of information already drawn on, as reported in Section 5. Five themes identified across the
many proposals put forward provide some directions for any future program:
1. Healthy ageing is seen as part of preparing for ageing more widely, and within the health
domain, the interaction of mental and physical well-being is widely recognised, as is the
emphasis on health promotion.
2. Preparing for ageing involves a balance of individual, community and government
responsibilities.
3. The time frame of preparing for ageing may be too long and too vague to prompt action;
instead. As most of the actions that contribute to preparing for ageing also have more
immediate benefits, the rationale needs to emphasise “be healthy now, be healthy for the
future”.
4. Over the long course of preparing for ageing, there are a number of critical points at
which awareness of ageing is heightened and at which women, and men, might well be
prompted to review their preparation for healthy ageing on many fronts.
- For women, menopause around age 50 provides a starting point for charting the steps
to be taken in preparing for ageing in the short, medium and long term.
- Increasingly women will be accessing their own superannuation, or doing so with
their spouse, around age 60. This event provides a critical point not only for
financial planning but for reviewing preparation for ageing more widely across
health, housing, family and social activities. Superannuation funds and Centrelink
may have a role to play in prompting such wide-ranging reviews.
- Take-up of Seniors Cards issued by state governments is very high and the points at
which cards are renewed could provide an opportunity for prompting individuals to
review their preparations for ageing in different areas.
5. Information and education strategies for preparing for ageing need to be refined and
strengthened to ensure a better match between different agencies and their capacities to
deliver different messages to different audiences. The success of “one stop shop”
Seniors’ Information Centres that provide internet access as well as hard copy
information, and that offer individual and small group session on a range of aspects of
preparing for ageing, makes them a model for expansion. One initiative that could be
undertaken by the Office for Women in conjunction with the Office for an Ageing
Australia would be to review all Commonwealth information on healthy ageing, whether
in leaflet, other written or audio-visual format, and how this information is disseminated,
and in consultation with relevant groups, with a view to compiling an Ageing Essentials
resource kit.
Preparing for Ageing Project Report - October 2008 82
The way in which the elements of a program for preparing for healthy ageing are broad
together will be shaped by prevailing policy views of retirement in the context of the wider
social inclusion agenda. This project has reported positive findings with regard to most
aspects of social inclusion. The respondents reported overwhelmingly positive experiences
in family relations, including relations between generations, in their wider social networks of
friends and personal interests and in their local communities. The exceptions arose where
crisis disrupted individual’s expected life course transitions and normative transitions, and
these disruptions could have enduring effects. Recovery from such events may need to
extend beyond short term support in through the immediate crisis.
Security in a paid job for as long as women chose to work, and having a secure income in
retirement were central to preparing for ageing and to on-going social inclusion. The project
found considerable variation in the ways that women in the two transition groups mix roles at
work, in their families and in wider social networks, and that good physical and mental
health underpins all these roles, and through to the further transitions of later life. These
findings are consistent with a wide range of recent research that shows the transitions of
ageing to be increasingly diverse and dynamic for Australian women. A key concern in
developing policies and programs for preparing for ageing is then how goals of continued
participation in the workforce are to be balanced with goals of enabling women to develop
other personal and social roles.
Research findings on models of retirement
Everingham, Warner-Smith & Byles 2007
In this qualitative study conducted as part of the ALSWH, two groups of mid aged women (aged 53-58 and 65-70) participated in interviews and focus groups in which they discussed their work and family histories, and their expectations, preparations, concerns and experiences of retirement. The findings confirm the significance of a transitional stage for women in diverse family and work situations, and three models of retirement were developed to accommodate these retirement lifestyles and concerns. The gateway model described a traditional pattern of retirement; while work life ended, there was strong continuity in other activities and most passed through the gateway to retirement with relative ease. In contrast, husbands seemed to have more difficulty in adjusting even though their retirement was likely to follow this gateway model. The transition model saw women slow down, test the waters and ease out; working part time was a feature of this model as a means to achieving a better balance in lifestyle and the transitional period was used to build up life outside work. The third transformative model involved continuing work, although often different work, into retirement; some transformations were strategically planned but others were more co-incidental, and this model had particular appeal for women who still working and concerned about their financial situation in retirement. The two main themes that emerged were achieving a desired retirement lifestyle with greater autonomy and control, and economic concerns that could see “the time of their lives” turn into uncertainty and fear. The different policy implications raised by the three models of retirement call for more flexible views of retirement that went beyond the work/non-work dichotomy and also a recognition that many women have little choice about work or in retirement.
Preparing for Ageing Project Report - October 2008 83
6.2 Roles for the Australian Women’s Coalition
The final part of the survey sought proposals on the roles that the Australian Women’s
Coalition was best placed to take in advancing policies and programs that will enable women
to prepare for ageing. While identified with reference to the current project, these proposals
are likely to apply to AWC roles more widely, and indeed reflect the roles taken in the many
other projects in which member organizations and their individual members have
participated.
6.2.1 Giving women a voice
First and foremost, the role of AWC was seen to be to give women a voice that would make
policies more aware of and responsive to their needs. Consultation through member
organizations is the main way in which AWC enables women to be heard and putting
forward reports on consultations is its main means to ensuring that policies are inclusive of
women’s interests.
To be able to give voice to women’s concerns and represent women’s interests, respondents
wanted AWC to encourage women to be actively involved in community affairs and to take
responsible positions not only in women’s organizations but community organizations in
general.
It was also recognised that AWC and its member organizations had limited resources and that
their efforts would be more effectively concentrated by tackling a smaller number of issues in
greater depth than attempting to take on too many issues.
Given AWC’s defined role of providing advice to government on the basis of consultation
through its member organizations, it was readily recognised AWC neither could nor should
try to do everything itself. Two questions that can guide decisions on which of many
possible roles and issues AWC should take up are (a) which other organization are involved?
and (b) what can AWC’s involvement add? These question are particularly pertinent to the
roles that AWC might take in advancing the preparing for ageing project through
dissemination and advocacy.
6.2.2 Dissemination
The first step in dissemination that was called for in the current project was to make this
report widely available to member organizations, and through them, to individual members.
Electronic distribution though AWC’s website could be accompanied by a number of links to
other sites with information on preparing for ageing. Consideration needs to be given to
making printed copies available to members who do not have internet access.
A frequent proposal was for AWC to arrange seminars to discuss reports on projects that
were undertaken and assist member organizations conduct sessions in different locations.
A program of seminars of this kind, possibly delivered in conjunction with programs of
member organizations, would achieve wide dissemination of project findings and provide
feedback to AWC.
While there were also suggestions that AWC should develop a wider program of forums and
workshops on preparing for ageing, or areas covered in other projects, its capacity to do so is
limited and the more effective approach would be to provide links to activities available
through agencies, such as the Councils on the Ageing and Carers’ Associations. One way
Preparing for Ageing Project Report - October 2008 84
in which AWC could contribute to the activities of these other organizations is to identify
women involved in AWC member organization who were interested in speaking on different
topics and provide a Speakers Bureau through which other organizations could find speakers
for their own events.
The same considerations of capacity and expertise apply to the roles that AWC can take on in
producing and disseminating written information. The strongly expressed concerns about
information overload indicate that AWC should not produce further pamphlets on aspects of
preparing for ageing, and this caution may well apply to other areas it tackles. Its role is
instead to publicise other existing sources of information available in written form and
through one to one sessions, and the AWC website is a means to this end.
The final aspect of dissemination that was sought by many respondents was feedback to
members on the outcomes that projects had achieved. In providing such feedback, AWC
can define the scope of its role as a consultative body and clarify the limits to its role in direct
provision of other activities. With reference to the present project, AWC does not have a role
in provision of education for retirement planning or health promotion. Instead, feedback
should identify opportunities for member organizations to pursue such issues through other
relevant organizations such as Councils on the Ageing, U3A and major support
organizations.
6.2.3 Advocacy
The prime advocacy role of AWC was clearly identified as getting women’s issues on to the
policy agenda, with this role pursued through participation in forums, conducting
consultations, making submissions and direct contact with the Minister and officials in the
Office for Women.
One proposal of particular interest for strengthening AWC advocacy role was that AWC
should prepare “briefs” on specific topics and circulate them to relevant government agencies
and other organizations. Preparation of briefs could provide an effective means of following
up larger projects and for ongoing advocacy on recommendation made, and would be an
effective way of adding value to all projects that had been undertaken.
Preparation and dissemination of position statements would provide a response to the many
proposals that were made urging AWC to lobby on a wide range of measures that would
contribute to preparing for ageing and linking into other current policy debates. A case in
point is the link between the concerns about financial security identified in the present project
and wider community debate about the adequacy of the single Age Pension. Other issues on
which lobbying was urged included increasing the Age Pension, affordable medication and
maintaining the PBS, more preventative health measures, more research on ageing issues,
and more support for carers and others. As well as providing a focus for AWC’s own
advocacy, position statements would also provide a resource to support AWC member
organizations in their own advocacy roles for joint action with ageing organizations such as
COTA.
Three specific issues were frequently identified as issues for advocacy in preparing for
ageing:
• advocacy for the recognition of the value of older women for their positive roles and
contributions, so that ageing is not presented purely as a problem.
Preparing for Ageing Project Report - October 2008 85
• advocacy for women to have equality with men in general health programs that are
currently heavily slanted towards men, such as prevention of cardiovascular disease.
• advocacy for more support for ensuring financial security for women beyond the Age
Pension; this report identified a range of measures that could support women in preparing
financially for ageing, with different measures required at different stages and for
different cohorts of women who have had different participation in the workforce and in
superannuation.
The extent to which AWC takes on an advocacy role itself or supports its member
organizations to advocate, and the issues of concern that it takes up, are matters for future
discussion among AWC members.
Preparing for Ageing Project Report - October 2008 86
List of research studies
The research studies listed have either been published in the Australasian Journal on Ageing
(AJA) since 2003, or are reports from the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health
(ALSWH) published in a range of journals. ALSWH surveyed three cohorts of women: at
the first survey, young women were aged 18-23, mid-aged women were 40-45 and older
women were 70-75. Surveys at three year intervals meant that by the third survey, the mid
aged women were 47-52. As this age group corresponds with the working transition group
defined in this project, the selection of papers below focuses on studies that included
longitudinal data to the third survey.
Barr F & Russell C. Social capital among older residents of a coastal resort: A survey of
social resources and vulnerabilities. AJA. 26, 2. June 2007. 94-96.
Brownie S & Myers S. Dietary and health supplement use among older Australians. AJA
22 4 Dec 2003. 171-79.
Byles J, Young A & Wheway V. Annual health assessments for older Australian women:
Uptake and equity. ANZ Journal of Public Health, 31, 2007. 170-173.
Byles J, Powers J, Chojenta C & Warner Smith P. Older women in Australia: ageing in
urban, rural and remote environments. AJA. 25, 3. Sept 2006. 151-157.
Carnicelli A, Keeffe J, Martin K et al. Vision screening for older people: the barriers and
the solutions. AJA. 22, 4. Dec 2003. 179-85.
Everingham C, Warner-Smith P & Byles J. Transforming retirement: Rethinking models of
retirement to accommodate the experience of women. Women’s Studies International
Forum. 30. 2007: 512-22.
Feldman S, Byles J, Mishra G & Powers J. The health and social needs of recently widowed
older women in Australia. AJA. 21, 3. 2002. 135-40.
Gardner IL, Browning C and Kendig H. Accommodation options in later life: retirement
village or community living? AJA. 24, 4. Dec 2005. 188-95.
Guillemin M. Heart disease and mid-age women: Focusing on gender and age. Health
Sociology Review. 13, 1. 2004. 7-13
Harris J, Giles L & Finucane P. Prevalence of coronary heart disease and cardiovascular risk
factors in a sample of older Australians: Australian Longitudinal Study of Ageing.
AJA 23. 1 March 2004. 25-32.
Preparing for Ageing Project Report - October 2008 87
Kruger E, Tennant M, Smith K & Peachy J. The oral health and treatment needs of
community dwelling older people in a rural town in Western Australia. AJA. 26, 1.
March 2007. 15-20.
Lawlor DA, Tooth, L, Lee C & Dobson A. A comparison of the association between socio-
economic position and cardiovascular risk factors in three age cohorts of Australian
women: Findings from the Australian Longitudinal Study of Women’s Health. J of
Public Health. 24, 4. 2005: 378-87.
Lee C & Russell A. Effects of physical activity on emotional well-being among older
Australian women: Cross-sectional and longitudinal analysis. Journal of
Psychosomatic Research. 54. 2003. 155-160. 155-60.
Lind C, Hickson L, Worrall L, et al. Hearing and vision impairment and the social networks
of older Australians. AJA. 22, 1. March 2003. 20-25.
Marino R, Browning C & Kendig H. Factors associated with self-reported use of oral health
services among older Melbournians. AJA. 26, 3. Sept 2007. 141-44.
McKenna KT, Tooth LR, King DB, et al, Older patients request more information: a survey
of use of written patient education materials in general practice. AJA 22, 1. March
2007. 15-19.
Merkes M & Wells Y. Women of the baby boom generation and unpaid work – What are the
indications for the future? AJA. 22, 4. Dec 2003. 186-190.
Mishra GD, Brown WJ & Dobson AJ. Do socio-economic gradients in women’s health
widen over time and with age? Social Science and Medicine. 58, 9. 2004: 1585-95.
O’Halloran J & Britt H. General practice encounters with older Australians. AJA. 23, 1.
March 2004. 7-12.
Onyx J & Baker E. Retirement expectations: gender differences and partner effects in an
Australian employer funded sample. AJA. 25, 2. June 2006. 80-83.
Orb A & Davey M. Grandparents parenting their grandchildren. AJA. 24, 3. Sept 2005.
162-68.
Quine S, Bernard D & Kendig H. Understanding baby boomer’s expectations and plans for
retirement: findings from a qualitative study. AJA. 25, 3. Sept 2006. 145-50.
Quine S & Carter S. Australian baby boomers’ expectation and plans for their old age. AJA.
25, 1. March 2006. 3-8.
Quine S, Morrell S. Perceptions of personal safety among older Australians. AJA 27, 2.
June 2008. 72-77.
Preparing for Ageing Project Report - October 2008 88
Quine S, Wells Y, de Vaus D & Kendig H. When choice in retirement decisions is missing:
Qualitative and quantitative findings of impact on well-being. AJA. 26. 4. Dec 2007.
173-79.
Russell C, Campbell A & Hughes I. Ageing, social capital and the Internet: Findings from
an exploratory study of Australian “silver surfers”. AJA. 27, 2. June 2008. 78-82.
Sheriff JN & Chenoweth L. Promoting healthy ageing for those over 65 with the health
check log: a pilot study. AJA. 25,1. March 2006. 46-49.
Smith N, Young A & Lee C. Optimism, health related hardiness and well-being among older
Australian women. Journal of Health Psychology. 9, 6. 2004. 741-752
Snodgrass S & Rivett DA. Perceptions of older people about falls injury prevention and
physical activity. AJA. 24, 2. June 2005. 114-118.
Steed L, Boldy D, Grenade L, Iredell H, The demographics of loneliness among older people
in Perth, Western Australia. AJA. 26, 2. June 2007. 81-86.
Warner-Smith P, Powers J & Hampson A. Women’s experiences of paid work and planning
for retirement. Report to the Office for Women, from the Australian Longitudinal
Study of Women’s Health. FHCSIA. 2007.
www.ofw.facsia.gov.au/publications/experiences_planning.htm
Warner-Smith P & Mishra G. ‘Happy hours’: Women’s well-being and their satisfaction
with paid work. Health Sociology Review. 11, 1 & 2. 2002: 39-48.